What do you think?
Rate this book
Freely and Lightly: God’s Gracious Invitation to a Life of Quiet Confidence
Your Invitation Awaits…
You’ve tried harder. You’ve been more intentional. You’ve done everything “right.” In your search for meaning and purpose, you’ve placed your hope in many different things—only to find yourself at a turning point, quietly asking, Is this it? Is this all there is?
If the direction of your life is leading you away from peace, contentment, and true fulfillment, Emily Lex has some great news to share with God is offering you a better way.
A way of real rest.
A way of quiet confidence.
A way to free yourself from expectations.
A way to become the person he created you to be.
A way to learn his unforced rhythms of grace.
Do you breathe a sigh of hope when you hear this holy and gentle invitation from Jesus? “Come to me… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
If so, then you are ready to accept his offer to recover and renew your life. Start your journey today.
You’ve tried harder. You’ve been more intentional. You’ve done everything “right.” In your search for meaning and purpose, you’ve placed your hope in many different things—only to find yourself at a turning point, quietly asking, Is this it? Is this all there is?
If the direction of your life is leading you away from peace, contentment, and true fulfillment, Emily Lex has some great news to share with God is offering you a better way.
A way of real rest.
A way of quiet confidence.
A way to free yourself from expectations.
A way to become the person he created you to be.
A way to learn his unforced rhythms of grace.
Do you breathe a sigh of hope when you hear this holy and gentle invitation from Jesus? “Come to me… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
If so, then you are ready to accept his offer to recover and renew your life. Start your journey today.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
113 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 14, 2021
This was an audiobook for me and the author narrated it. She was lovely and easy to understand. She invited the reader see who they are and delight in it. She shared her personal experiences and scripture to make these points.
She talks about things that might cause stumbling blocks in our growth. Examples like vices, controlling behavior and false idols. ((Ouch)) She encouraged a new way of thinking about these things.
And I loved what she said about the definition of beautiful.
This was a great reminder of who we are in Christ.
Thank you Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my review.
She talks about things that might cause stumbling blocks in our growth. Examples like vices, controlling behavior and false idols. ((Ouch)) She encouraged a new way of thinking about these things.
And I loved what she said about the definition of beautiful.
This was a great reminder of who we are in Christ.
Thank you Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my review.
April 1, 2021
A wonderful reflective read. Not a devotional, not a self help book, but rather a restorative reminder of how to keep company with Jesus and learn to live freely and lightly.
April 29, 2021
How to categorize this book?! Even the author didn't know how to do so! Memoir/spiritual teaching/coffee table book. But really it's a beautiful mix of all 3. I read and listened to the book, so I got the benefit of Emily Lex's sweet spirit as she read it aloud for the audio, while also getting to see her beautiful art that fully inspired me as both a writer and artist.
Most nonfiction books I read start out strong and begin to plateau in their repetition or just become dully written. But not this one. I actually found it ramping up and becoming more and more relatable as the pages and chapters went on.
The highlight for me was toward the end when Emily laid out her Bible reading plan/journal. I immediately decided I wanted to try it. Get a journal, write out a table of contents for each of the chapter of all 4 Gospels, read a chapter a day and journal it, leaving space for a title of that chapter out of what you gleaned from it. You'll have to read her full description, how she did it, and what beautiful take-aways she includes. But it inspired me to definitely do the same thing. And not just through the Gospels, but through the whole Bible. What a wonderful and simple way to study the Word of God.
Another highlight for me, simply because I am a writer and entrepreneur who has newly discovered my love of creativity extends to art as well...was when God spoke to her and said, "Be an artist" not just do art. So she committed to a painting a day. As a writer, we always hear "Write every day" whether we are inspired or not. Well recently my brain has been too foggy to write but my creativity has come out in art instead. So why had I never thought to treat it the same way I did writing. "Create every day" would be just as easily said. I am giving myself this same challenge.
I highly recommend the book (probably even more than the audio, simply because of the beautiful illustrations) for you to take your own highlights from it.
Most nonfiction books I read start out strong and begin to plateau in their repetition or just become dully written. But not this one. I actually found it ramping up and becoming more and more relatable as the pages and chapters went on.
The highlight for me was toward the end when Emily laid out her Bible reading plan/journal. I immediately decided I wanted to try it. Get a journal, write out a table of contents for each of the chapter of all 4 Gospels, read a chapter a day and journal it, leaving space for a title of that chapter out of what you gleaned from it. You'll have to read her full description, how she did it, and what beautiful take-aways she includes. But it inspired me to definitely do the same thing. And not just through the Gospels, but through the whole Bible. What a wonderful and simple way to study the Word of God.
Another highlight for me, simply because I am a writer and entrepreneur who has newly discovered my love of creativity extends to art as well...was when God spoke to her and said, "Be an artist" not just do art. So she committed to a painting a day. As a writer, we always hear "Write every day" whether we are inspired or not. Well recently my brain has been too foggy to write but my creativity has come out in art instead. So why had I never thought to treat it the same way I did writing. "Create every day" would be just as easily said. I am giving myself this same challenge.
I highly recommend the book (probably even more than the audio, simply because of the beautiful illustrations) for you to take your own highlights from it.
July 13, 2025
This was a right book at the right time situation for me. Emily’s experience really spoke to where I’ve been the last few years and I loved seeing her process of letting the Lord move in her life and change her hear and outlook.
April 5, 2024
This book came into my life at the right moment. I truly enjoyed it.
March 17, 2021
First of all, this book is gorgeous... the heavyweight paper, the binding, and of course, the watercolor art sprinkled throughout. When you pick up this book, you know it is special.
Emily’s story is honest, authentic and vulnerable. She describes her perfectly wonderful life yet acknowledges the traps so many of us fall into when we are searching for who we are and what our purpose is. She is masterful in describing the damage of comparison, consumerism, self-doubt.
She did a lot of hard work in digging into Scripture to deepen her relationship with Jesus. I found her faith story to be astonishing. I believe that search for self happens exactly as she wrote — with thin layers of self-deception falling away through study of God’s word and trusted mentors walking your journey with you.
One of my favorite sweet stories came from her son Brady when he described to his sister how he knew God was speaking to him..”words just come into my mind, and I know they are not words I would think. They feel so calming and good and true” (p254) I completely agree, Brady!!
This book would make a beautiful gift for a friend in a life transition (and during the “end” of this pandemic aren’t many us going through a life transition??).
Well done, Emily Lex. And thank you for sharing!
Emily’s story is honest, authentic and vulnerable. She describes her perfectly wonderful life yet acknowledges the traps so many of us fall into when we are searching for who we are and what our purpose is. She is masterful in describing the damage of comparison, consumerism, self-doubt.
She did a lot of hard work in digging into Scripture to deepen her relationship with Jesus. I found her faith story to be astonishing. I believe that search for self happens exactly as she wrote — with thin layers of self-deception falling away through study of God’s word and trusted mentors walking your journey with you.
One of my favorite sweet stories came from her son Brady when he described to his sister how he knew God was speaking to him..”words just come into my mind, and I know they are not words I would think. They feel so calming and good and true” (p254) I completely agree, Brady!!
This book would make a beautiful gift for a friend in a life transition (and during the “end” of this pandemic aren’t many us going through a life transition??).
Well done, Emily Lex. And thank you for sharing!
January 5, 2022
My sister gave this book to me for Christmas. It was a light and easy read. I loved her focus on self acceptance and believing in your abilities and worth. A lot of religious books seem to just add to the to the do list and create guilt in all the areas that you fall short. She has a real beautiful, loving and soft message.
October 24, 2022
Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a book I resonated with in many areas. It’s one to soak, enjoy, and ponder. Lex invites you along her journey and shares the lessons she’s learned along the way.
“It’s about living from a place of quiet confidence instead of grasping tirelessly for counterfeit fillers that will never satisfy.
While this transformation takes effort and brutal honesty, woven graciously throughout is a gentle lifting of burdens, a reorientation to truth, and a kindness and compassion that settles down. We can be ourselves and give ourselves freely and openly, not worrying about doing it right or looking right or having it all together, because our value is set and secured by a God who first loved us.
He’s been offering this life of peace and joy from the very beginning, but we have a way of tangling ourselves up in pride and insecurity, falling asleep to the truth, and focusing our eyes on the impossibilities and inadequacies instead of his unending grace and provision. But thank goodness, my friend, that it’s never too late. This very moment is befitting, timely, and perfectly appropriate to accept Jesus’ generous invitation. So take a deep breath, open your hands, and may you step freely and lightly into a beautifully abundant life.”
Pg 227
“It’s about living from a place of quiet confidence instead of grasping tirelessly for counterfeit fillers that will never satisfy.
While this transformation takes effort and brutal honesty, woven graciously throughout is a gentle lifting of burdens, a reorientation to truth, and a kindness and compassion that settles down. We can be ourselves and give ourselves freely and openly, not worrying about doing it right or looking right or having it all together, because our value is set and secured by a God who first loved us.
He’s been offering this life of peace and joy from the very beginning, but we have a way of tangling ourselves up in pride and insecurity, falling asleep to the truth, and focusing our eyes on the impossibilities and inadequacies instead of his unending grace and provision. But thank goodness, my friend, that it’s never too late. This very moment is befitting, timely, and perfectly appropriate to accept Jesus’ generous invitation. So take a deep breath, open your hands, and may you step freely and lightly into a beautifully abundant life.”
Pg 227
March 3, 2021
I've been an Emily Lex fan for several years - her artistic talent and eye for simple beauty is a testament to the regular, ordinary magic in our daily lives. In Freely and Lightly, Emily invites us to figuratively sit with her as she shares the pivotal moment in her life when she recognized that her striving and her hustle were drowning out what God was calling her to be - and the work and waiting and faith that lead her to writing this book. She articulates the words in my own head and heart - that we are all deeply loved, that we each have a unique voice, and that louder is rarely better. That the illustrations and page designs are her own is pure joy!
March 7, 2021
I love this inspiring and beautiful book. Emily’s book was filled with lots of advice about improving one’s spiritual life, and she complemented each chapter with lovely watercolor illustrations- I’ve flipped through the book several times since reading it just to look at the illustrations. I also received a beautiful print of one of her illustrations because I preordered the book- I always love when authors provide these types of goodies. I hope Emily will write more books in the future.
March 9, 2021
Simple and sweet. The author shares stories about her experiences, which (to me) is always better than having someone throwing information/truth at you. It did become a bit redundant for me, though. I found myself speed-reading through parts. I sat down to read it like a book (multiple chapters at once) and maybe I would have it enjoyed it more to go one chapter at a time. Definitely good bits of encouragement to find!
March 22, 2021
Emily Lex's delightful watercolor paintings are the star of this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing too and was inspired by her search for meaning and the ultimate joy she found through life in Christ. A beautiful hardcover that would make a great gift (and a great non-fiction book club selection too)
June 14, 2022
I related so much to Emily’s story, struggles, and joys. Many of her words felt like they were written just for me to read. I’m so thankful to have stumbled upon this book. I enjoyed her writing style, beautiful artwork throughout the book, and eloquent wrap up to each chapter, championing God’s grace.
September 11, 2022
This book was a gift from a friend and I read it in a devotional way, taking time and enjoying the artwork immensely. The authors life is very different from my own but her journey to follow Jesus rang very true and we share an Enneagram number.
January 11, 2023
This was a lovely memoir/devotional with short chapters and gorgeous watercolor prints. Not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t had the physical copy. I’m working my way slowly through the journal that goes with it.
March 19, 2021
The paintings in this book are absolutely beautiful!!! And the message is just as lovely!
Would make a great gift book!!!
Would make a great gift book!!!
October 11, 2024
Lovely little book with some reflections. Gave me something to think about.
February 14, 2022
One of my favorite parts of the book is this quote, “We still have hopes we long for & difficulties to endure, but the heart posture is different. Where it once craved to be soothed with temporary fixes, it is now fully satisfied by the love & acceptance of a very good Father.”
October 29, 2022
I picked up this book (honestly) because it was pretty, had beautiful illustrations and would serve as great coffee table/guest room perusing material. But after I started reading I found this book to be full of truth, conviction, and a profound message. It has certainly spoken to heart in a message I needed to hear in this season! And bonus: it still is a beautiful book.
April 30, 2021
"Life beings at the end of your comfort zone."
We all strive to live a life of freedom and contentment; however, the weight of this world and the temptations that regularly attempt to take us away from God make our decision to follow the True Vine, Yeshua/Jesus, a daily battle. Do you feel like you're struggling to keep your head above water? You're not alone in this struggle; nevertheless, there is a savior who wants to take your hand and pull you out of this place of despair and longing.
The bravest thing you can do is open up your hands and turn your feet toward the path that leads to new, flourishing growth as you accept Jesus’s call to live freely and lightly.
Emily Lex didn't know who she was. After years of being who others needed her to be, she realized that she had lost herself in the process. As Emily sat on the beach, looking at the gorgeous Hawaiian scenery, she cried out to God and asked Him to reveal Himself to her. Through many difficult lessons and life events, Emily learned how to relinquish control, abide in Yeshua's rest, fully embracing the promises found in the Word, and discover who God had always called her to be! In her book, Freely and Lightly , Emily details the journey she went on, encouraging readers to use her story as a spark to ignite a hunger within themselves and strive for a more purposeful life!
Life with God is the very best partnership, and it’s one big, amazing lesson in collaborating, considering, and giving up control. This is what leads to real rest.
Freely and Lightly was a stunning memoir with a touching testimony of how God wants to rescue us from living a mediocre life, transforming our hearts so everything we strive for will bring Him glory and give us the freedom that cannot be found anywhere else! As I read Emily's book, I felt the Father show me how her words are going to be used to inspire those struggling to root their identities in Him. We all go through many of the same struggles Emily writes about, making her open and honest stance inviting and relatable to everyone who is looking to release the weight that is preventing them from standing tall.
[image error]
Before we can fully trust, we need to get to know the One in whom we’re placing our trust.
While I didn't always connect with Emily's story, her words inspired a new stream of journal entries that turned my focus off myself and onto other's faith journeys. Freely and Lightly reminds us that it's never too late to call out to God, placing the reins in His hands, though the journey will take a lot of trust, faith, discipline, obedience, and surrender!
Are you longing for true, lasting change from the inside out? Jesus invites you to learn his unforced rhythms of grace, and when you walk in step with him, you will take on your true identity.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Positive content: 4⭐️
Language: 0⭐️
Sexual content: 0⭐️
Violence: 0⭐️
Age: 16+
April 6, 2021
This beautifully designed hardback book features watercolor art and life reflections from Emily Lex, a popular blogger. In this book, Lex strikes an inviting balance between long-form focus and a series of blog posts, sharing brief reflections that also fit into a larger story arc and broader themes. Because the messages build on each other, someone will get the most out of this book if they read it straight through, but this can also be a great coffee table book to dip in and out of as time allows.
This is a great book for women who struggle to feel worthy, and who are tired of just being "fine." Lex shares her story of feeling incomplete, inadequate, and uncertain, and shows how she was able to change her life once she was willing to ask hard questions and find herself beneath the layers of work, family obligations, and other attempts at success that she had used to silence deeper parts of her soul. She writes about how God guided her through this process, and shares stories about how she could better connect with her family members and friends once she was able to be honest, push herself out of her comfort zone, and find life in Christ, not her own sufficiency.
Other Christian women can find this book helpful and encouraging, especially if they relate to the author's gentle, retiring personality. As Lex mentions in an early chapter, when she was on a trip, another woman talked about how she needed bold and powerful women in her life, not "precious lambs." Lex felt hurt and overlooked, knowing that she was one of those quiet, gentle people this other woman didn't see a use for. This was part of her catalyst for growth, as she realized that she needed to deal with her identity struggles and sense of inadequacy. Women with similar personalities will connect with many of the author's experiences, especially as more self-help books emphasize being aggressive, bold, and loud.
However, this book isn't just for someone of a particular personality, and can encourage any woman who needs to find rest in Christ and wants to grow in understanding her faith. The chapters are short and easy to read, and each one has a strong takeaway insight, even as Lex also builds her story and themes over time. I enjoyed reading this, and appreciate the author's vulnerability about her struggles, insight into biblical passages and concepts, and gentle encouragement for us to leave behind ever-changing measures of being "good enough" to find ourselves in God's love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great book for women who struggle to feel worthy, and who are tired of just being "fine." Lex shares her story of feeling incomplete, inadequate, and uncertain, and shows how she was able to change her life once she was willing to ask hard questions and find herself beneath the layers of work, family obligations, and other attempts at success that she had used to silence deeper parts of her soul. She writes about how God guided her through this process, and shares stories about how she could better connect with her family members and friends once she was able to be honest, push herself out of her comfort zone, and find life in Christ, not her own sufficiency.
Other Christian women can find this book helpful and encouraging, especially if they relate to the author's gentle, retiring personality. As Lex mentions in an early chapter, when she was on a trip, another woman talked about how she needed bold and powerful women in her life, not "precious lambs." Lex felt hurt and overlooked, knowing that she was one of those quiet, gentle people this other woman didn't see a use for. This was part of her catalyst for growth, as she realized that she needed to deal with her identity struggles and sense of inadequacy. Women with similar personalities will connect with many of the author's experiences, especially as more self-help books emphasize being aggressive, bold, and loud.
However, this book isn't just for someone of a particular personality, and can encourage any woman who needs to find rest in Christ and wants to grow in understanding her faith. The chapters are short and easy to read, and each one has a strong takeaway insight, even as Lex also builds her story and themes over time. I enjoyed reading this, and appreciate the author's vulnerability about her struggles, insight into biblical passages and concepts, and gentle encouragement for us to leave behind ever-changing measures of being "good enough" to find ourselves in God's love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2021
Emily’s gentle and inspiring words remind us to keep faith and trust in God. Her book for me was a reaffirmation of what I’ve already known about God, but that I ended up neglecting because of struggles in life. It was like a renewing of faith. I really liked the way she talks with us and reaffirms that God is here to lighten up our burden and make our lives easier, we just need to trust in Him. I also enjoyed her personal stories and anecdotes.
I’ve decided to read this book because I’ve been following Emily for while and everything started with her course in watercolor that I was doing with my daughter. I’ve always had the desire to try watercolor, since my teenage years, when I’ve learned other types of arts and crafts, but never got a chance with watercolor. Her sketches and paintings were an inspiration for me to try watercolor and I simply fell in love with it.
When she announced her book about her journey of identity and freedom by accepting Jesus' way of life and the book would contain some of her watercolors, I've really got excited to get my hands on a copy. The illustrations are a work of art themselves, I loved all of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a renewing of faith in God and to those who don’t know Him yet. The book is also perfect as a coffee table book to flip through the pages and enjoy the beautiful illustrations. Thank you Emily for your honest personal account.
I have received an advanced PDF copy of the book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion about it. Yesterday I've received my hardcover copy and It's gorgeous. Every detail, illustration, and quality of materials are beautiful.
I’ve decided to read this book because I’ve been following Emily for while and everything started with her course in watercolor that I was doing with my daughter. I’ve always had the desire to try watercolor, since my teenage years, when I’ve learned other types of arts and crafts, but never got a chance with watercolor. Her sketches and paintings were an inspiration for me to try watercolor and I simply fell in love with it.
When she announced her book about her journey of identity and freedom by accepting Jesus' way of life and the book would contain some of her watercolors, I've really got excited to get my hands on a copy. The illustrations are a work of art themselves, I loved all of them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a renewing of faith in God and to those who don’t know Him yet. The book is also perfect as a coffee table book to flip through the pages and enjoy the beautiful illustrations. Thank you Emily for your honest personal account.
I have received an advanced PDF copy of the book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion about it. Yesterday I've received my hardcover copy and It's gorgeous. Every detail, illustration, and quality of materials are beautiful.
March 3, 2021
I’ve followed Emily for well over a decade. My interest started as a 20 something in her first grown up apartment and career looking for life and decorating inspiration. My life has changed drastically since those casual blog perusing days and so has Emily’s.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on Religion? Come to me...Matthew 11:28. Freely and Lightly begins with this powerful scripture that fired straight into my soul, and I know I’m not alone. Emily takes us through her journey of honest self discovery through God’s invitation. Her refreshingly vulnerable truths, faults and fears made me feel not alone in my own weary travels with Him. She invites you to be still, be calm, trust in Him, and find rest and quiet within yourself so you may better hear His vision for you. Emily shares her raw, authentic stories as proof that our outside appearances do not always match what is buried deep within our hearts and spirit - that sometimes we have to break before we realize we are in fact broken.
Her gentle words, guidance and prayers paired with God’s unbreakable promises speak volumes alongside her lovely self-created illustrations that paint a story that I plan to revisit again and again.
I cannot wait to share this book with my fellow moms, friends in faith, and anyone who I just feel needs to feel His love in their lives. Freely and Lightly is an incredible opportunity for a book club, bible study or simply a private quest for an abundant life.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on Religion? Come to me...Matthew 11:28. Freely and Lightly begins with this powerful scripture that fired straight into my soul, and I know I’m not alone. Emily takes us through her journey of honest self discovery through God’s invitation. Her refreshingly vulnerable truths, faults and fears made me feel not alone in my own weary travels with Him. She invites you to be still, be calm, trust in Him, and find rest and quiet within yourself so you may better hear His vision for you. Emily shares her raw, authentic stories as proof that our outside appearances do not always match what is buried deep within our hearts and spirit - that sometimes we have to break before we realize we are in fact broken.
Her gentle words, guidance and prayers paired with God’s unbreakable promises speak volumes alongside her lovely self-created illustrations that paint a story that I plan to revisit again and again.
I cannot wait to share this book with my fellow moms, friends in faith, and anyone who I just feel needs to feel His love in their lives. Freely and Lightly is an incredible opportunity for a book club, bible study or simply a private quest for an abundant life.
Currently reading
August 15, 2021I enjoy this book, from chapter one I found myself related to what she says. Emily Lex, open up and tells her own story about how it started and what it meant for her. Taking from the Bible verse from Mattew 11:28(The Message) in this book we will find many practical insights and advice, please take your time, don’t skip over. I think that many, I know I did can relate to Emily Lex's story, about her growing up since young age in church. She talks about how she did all the good things, had a great family and life, and still felt something was missing. In each chapter, we found a layer of her story of discovering and growing healthy toward God’s plans for her and how that can be for each one of us. This book helps me see much powerful truth, one of them was to learn the unforced rhythm of grace and how that changes our lives and how we see God. This book is a great choice for all those in a moment who feels something missing( even if you have been a long-time Christian), with great bible advice, this book could be a blessing to you.
Lovely drawing from the author( I like them)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy for review, all opinions are my own.
Lovely drawing from the author( I like them)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy for review, all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2021
In Freely and Lightly, author and artist, Emily Lex uses beautiful illustrations and relatable anecdotes, as well as encouraging Biblical truth to remind us that we can find true rest in our Creator and Saviour. Because of Jesus' promises, we can live a truly full life, secure in the knowledge that we are who He created us to be. When we keep our eyes focused on what's most important--Jesus--we can move forward in faith knowing that He goes before us and that He holds our future. He invites us to come to Him, to lay down our burdens, and to find peace and rest in His presence.
I found this book to encouraging and easy to read. I loved the stunning artwork and appreciated that Emily always points the reader to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
If you're looking for a new book to use as a devotional, or just something to encourage you in your walk with God, Freely and Lightly just might be what you're looking for.
*I received a complimentary copy of Freely and Lightly through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
I found this book to encouraging and easy to read. I loved the stunning artwork and appreciated that Emily always points the reader to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
If you're looking for a new book to use as a devotional, or just something to encourage you in your walk with God, Freely and Lightly just might be what you're looking for.
*I received a complimentary copy of Freely and Lightly through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
March 2, 2021
I’ve followed Emily Lex for years on her popular blog, drawn in first by her knack for home decor and DIY expertise. I’ve watched over the past few years as her blog changed to focus less on throw pillows and more on her spiritual transformation. I was delighted when she decided to write a book. What I love about Freely and Lightly is that it’s an invitation to take a journey of self-reflection - permission, in a way, to see yourself through God in a new light. In Freely and Lightly, Emily shares experiences from her own life to prompt the reader to take a step back, ask deep questions, and revisit messages from scripture with a new perspective. The imagery in the book is remarkable - both the watercolor illustrations Emily created herself and the way Emily paints a picture through her vivid storytelling. This is definitely a book I plan to read more than once and one I’m already finding myself referring back to as I navigate spirituality in my day to day life. I was honored to have the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of the book and hope others will find it as lovely, moving, and transformative as I have.
April 15, 2024
To be completely honest, I purchased this book simply because I adore Emily Lex’s children’s books ‘Twirl’ and ‘Build’. They’re beautiful and lovely and so sweet! My children have greatly enjoyed them! I had no idea how badly I needed these words from ‘Freely and Lightly’. The grace and beauty that is found here is exactly what I need right now. Also being a mother of four with a natural tendency towards control, self-reliance and being so hard on myself, I’ve found myself extremely worn out lately. She writes, “It is about a God who can use the things about us that we see as weaknesses, as not right and broken, for our own good and His glory…..it is about shifting our identities from what we do and say about ourselves to who He is and what He says about us.” Page 276 and 277 I love how she points away from ourselves and points us to the invitation from Christ to come to Him. All of the truths shine so brightly, that He delights in us doing so, that He is good and uses His people for His glory. What a meaningful, truth-filled, gorgeous book I am so humbled to have found.
March 1, 2021
Oh, this book! It is absolutely lovely in every single way, from the beautifully watercolored illustrations to the author's deep vulnerability - a challenge to live "freely and lightly". It is the kind of book you will gift your friends and beg your Bible study to read. Over and over I felt as if she were telling the story of my heart, my struggles, my insecurities, and wrapping it all together with God's graciousness and love. To say that my mind has been set in a new direction is an understatement - it's going to take some work, but the author has unintentionally challenged me to evaluate the life I am trying to live and pass it through the lens of who our Creator designed me to be. This is a book I will definitely take time to read again... this time a bit closer, taking time to ponder her thoughts and study the scriptures that impacted her own journey and transformation. Freely and Lightly is without a doubt a lovely place to dwell.
March 3, 2021
If you are longing to nourish & grow your spiritual heart, then look no further than Freely & Lightly.
I enjoyed how she seemed intertwine her relatable personal stories + gorgeous watercolor artwork, with an invitation to lean into a deeper relationship with God. As she states in the intro “The bravest thing you can do is open up your hands and turn your feet toward the path that leads to a new, flourishing growth as you accept Jesus’s call to live freely and lightly.”
Each of the four parts concludes with collected questions at the end to stir your thoughts. I appreciated that this book allowed me to have my own moments of quiet reflection — without feeling like there was a specific timeline to follow. It’s not a journey that is completed once you close this book, but a gentle reminder of how we should continually come to Him for rest and leave with His grace. Give your soul a chance to be mended & guided — definitely buy this book today!
I enjoyed how she seemed intertwine her relatable personal stories + gorgeous watercolor artwork, with an invitation to lean into a deeper relationship with God. As she states in the intro “The bravest thing you can do is open up your hands and turn your feet toward the path that leads to a new, flourishing growth as you accept Jesus’s call to live freely and lightly.”
Each of the four parts concludes with collected questions at the end to stir your thoughts. I appreciated that this book allowed me to have my own moments of quiet reflection — without feeling like there was a specific timeline to follow. It’s not a journey that is completed once you close this book, but a gentle reminder of how we should continually come to Him for rest and leave with His grace. Give your soul a chance to be mended & guided — definitely buy this book today!
March 2, 2021
Holding this book in my hands is such a sweet treat. It’s lovely, and beautiful, and a deeply honest perspective on living well.
Emily's words are like raindrops falling on my soul, reminding me of God’s heart for each of us to live fully and confidently. She highlights her journey and without sugar-coating the hard work, she stresses the ease and lightness that can be ours through God’s grace.
I have followed Emily's blog for some time and was delighted to read an advance digital copy provided by the publisher. But holding the book in my hands is even better! Flipping through the book is like visiting an art store documenting simple, everyday life. Her watercolor images align with the messages, uniquely highlighting and bringing to life core truths.
You'll want this book on your coffee table for the lovely images and you'll pick it up frequently for the life-giving messages!
Emily's words are like raindrops falling on my soul, reminding me of God’s heart for each of us to live fully and confidently. She highlights her journey and without sugar-coating the hard work, she stresses the ease and lightness that can be ours through God’s grace.
I have followed Emily's blog for some time and was delighted to read an advance digital copy provided by the publisher. But holding the book in my hands is even better! Flipping through the book is like visiting an art store documenting simple, everyday life. Her watercolor images align with the messages, uniquely highlighting and bringing to life core truths.
You'll want this book on your coffee table for the lovely images and you'll pick it up frequently for the life-giving messages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews