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Becoming a Woman of Simplicity

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God Invites You to Be at Rest.
Can life in this multitasking world be tamed? In a culture that pulls women in multiple directions at once, is it possible to declutter the calendar, reduce energy-draining distractions, and exchange some of those urgencies for what is truly important?

This timely Bible study from bestselling author Cynthia Heald shows you that, yes, a simpler life is not only possible, but also vital.

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity delves into Scripture and offers practical, real-life counsel so you can experience the freedom necessary to live with the quiet confidence God intended.

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2009

38 people are currently reading
292 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Heald

93 books63 followers
CYNTHIA HEALD is a popular speaker and author of the Becoming a Woman Of . . . Bible studies, which have sold millions of copies. Her passion to help women walk more closely with God and live life to their full, God-given potential is seen in Drawing Near to the Heart of God. She and her husband, Jack, are full-time staff with The Navigators in Tucson, Arizona.

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5 stars
121 (50%)
4 stars
68 (28%)
3 stars
45 (18%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy J. Hoffman.
Author 1 book92 followers
February 17, 2010
I have yet to meet a woman who is content with her life as it is - busy and chaotic. Rather, most women are longing for simplicity and time to enjoy their family, friends, and their faith in Christ.

Cynthia Heald has written an wonderful Bible study titled Becoming A Woman Of Simplicity. In this nicely packaged book, she walks you through 11 lessons on simplicity in light of scripture. If you are a woman who wants to know how to have a simple life, this study will answer many questions and give you Biblical principles and practical application.
Profile Image for Dominique.
189 reviews13 followers
January 16, 2011
This book review of Cynthia Heald‘s book, Becoming A Woman of Simpliticy, has me a little flummoxed. I chose to use it as my morning Bible Study and I’m glad I did. This is not a book that could be properly digested by sitting down and reading it in one fell swoop. There was much to ponder and process between the covers of this book.

Having said that, I did find myself towards the end, growing weary of the scripture upon scripture that I had to look up. I can’t really explain why, but at the end of the book, it started to feel monotonous, repetitive and sometimes boringly frustrating.

However, there were many things I loved about this book.

One, the subject matter was timely for me.
Two, I loved the Thoughts from an older woman, section at the end of the chapters. I actually found these, at times, the most beneficial and thought-provoking.
Three, seeing throughout scripture, the many passages that speak to a woman to help her in quieting her soul, learning to lean on God, and how to go about paring her life down to needed simplicity, was eye opening and uplifting.

This passage on page 15 sums up the totality of this book when it says,

My definition of a woman of simplicity is one who lives a God-pace life. She waits for God’s leading and she has time to be still and know her Lord. She has a deep abiding rest in her spirit. She is a woman of profound simplicity because she has only one focus: being simply and purely devoted to Christ.

I think this is a great book for women to read as we are often running crazily about the business of being a mom, wife, friend, worker, volunteer and much, much more. Often we do not provide time for reflection, quietness, or to focus on what superflous things in our life we can let go in order to have more time to spend on those things that truly matter.

I recommend this book to those who want to find a path to a more simple, peaceful and quiet life. I give this book a 3.5 out of five.

*I received this book free from NavPress. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Charlotte Kealen silver.
1 review1 follower
February 24, 2018
Fantastic woman's Bible study! I just finished this and I loved it! It really challenged me in finding rest and peace in my Saviors arms, and to truly find what is most important in my life.
Profile Image for Laverne Ombadykow.
43 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2010
This book is a treasure chest of verses and ideas and thoughts that can guide a person to become more focused on things that are important to God.


We live in a world where doing several things at one time is common and it's good to get back to what is really life sustaining. As I worked though this Bible study it became very clear to me that certain attitudes are more important to God than all the projects and programs that might fill a person's time - even if they are the best projects in the world.


Some thoughts that Cynthia Heald expressed were:

The pursuit of Holiness is more important than busyness.
We should feel comfortable doing one thing at a time and doing it well.
Sometimes busyness is just a way to avoid being alone with God and listening to His voice and letting Him examine our hearts.

The portions of scripture that were selected for this study are convicting and useful of examination of a reader's heart.


I'm wishing that I could give a higher score than 5 stars. I have been blessed by working through this Bible study.
Profile Image for Karen.
655 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2021
I journey through this book slowly with a friend-- we usually discussed a chapter each month. Going through it slowly was good for me, because it forced me to reflect on each chapter's topic, memory verse and discern what God wanted me to learn from it.

I wish I could say that I have mastered being a woman of Simplicity, I certainly have a LONG ways to go to get there; however, I can say that I yearn to be one and am working towards it.
Profile Image for Carmen.
32 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2016
I loved this book. I was raised catholic, which makes me always feel guilty about everything... Not doing enough, not doing it perfectly. This book helped me see that only one thing is necessary. And I needed that. It helped me to let go of what will stay in this world and spend more time with my Savior, loving those He entrusted to me.

Profile Image for Jan.
1,229 reviews
September 28, 2011
Our whole group of Yada Bible Study loved the study, We only go as far as time allows each meeting and it works very well, the Bible references and quotes are just perfect. We even ordered another book by Cynthia Heald and are finding it excellent too and unique in its own verses and purposes
Profile Image for Kameron.
115 reviews
July 17, 2011
Currently working on this study as a group with my sisters and mom long distance. It is incredible. Each chapter is well thought out, incorporates lots of Scripture for us to look up on our own and meditate on and has already enhanced and changed my walk with the Lord.
Profile Image for Connie.
923 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2013
Over a period of ten months neighborhood women found this study to be extremely challenging and helpful. Grateful for it.
Profile Image for Crystalyn.
73 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2020
Slowly digested this book over 8 months or so and just kept repeatedly reading parts.

Truly effected me for life.
Profile Image for Danielle Barger.
288 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2021
I really enjoyed working through and discussing this book with several neighbor ladies.
43 reviews
December 26, 2021
First of Cynthia Heald's "Becoming a Woman of..." studies I read and I would say, I liked it --its like talking to my grandmother.

I initially thought simplicity is just being content and less materialistic but this book gave me better insights on what godly simplicity means--- abandoning your life and surrendering to God, living on the basement (sticking to biblical fundamentals), choosing the best instead of the good (rethinking of our ministry commitments) , being at peace with our Creator and many more.

I would highly recommend it for all Christian ladies as a great tool in maturing in the faith.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mayberry.
305 reviews23 followers
May 5, 2022
Great devotional for my quiet times! I love having something packed with scripture (not just thoughts from an author) but it was also directed and focused. It was really easy to work on as much as I could each day and pick up where I left off the next day. Sometimes I got through a whole chapter and other times just a page or two! It's a great way for a busy mama to make sure she is getting into the Word every day!

I also was very convicted and encouraged about being a Woman of Simplicity and it has changed the way I go through my days and relate to the Lord!
Profile Image for Vanessa Rivero.
43 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2023
Another excellent book by Cynthia Heald. This is the second book I've read of her "Becoming a Woman of.." series. I love how she faithfully directs the reader to the Word to reflect and meditate on, and gives examples of her own life to share, as well as quotes from solid theologians to encourage. In this particular book she counsels on learning how to live a quieter and simpler life in devotion to Christ. In that we experience God's true rest and peace, reflecting His image more and more. Again I read this with a group, which is perfect for discussion, as well as for personal reading.
Profile Image for Jessie.
119 reviews
March 22, 2011
I just finished this book with my Bible study and it was transforming. It has brought new meaning to being still and KNOWING He IS God! "The beauty of peace graces my life because I stop to listen to the Holy Spirit who prompts me to confess sin, to forgive others, and to obey His leading. My confidence and calmness flow from choosing the best and from taking time to be silent. He is gentle and humble and when you accept His call, you enter into a life lived in the unforced rhythms of grace." ~ Cynthia Heald
Profile Image for Karen (Living Unabridged).
1,177 reviews64 followers
October 3, 2014
Might make a good ladies' Bible study choice although I read through it on my own. And what it is about ladies' Bible study authors that makes them jump and skip their way through the Bible? Proof texts may be a way to write more books but they're not, by definition, a methodical way to study the Bible.
Profile Image for Robin Fuson.
Author 30 books58 followers
December 10, 2014
The Ladies Bible study group I attend went through this book one chapter a week. We had wonderful times of discussion and encouragement. This is one of many "Becoming a Woman" books. Cynthia is a gifted writer and teacher. This book is well written to teach quiet time devotion to our Lord especially to new Christians.
Profile Image for Laura.
40 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2011
This was a wonderful book that gave me so much to think about. It has change my life and the way I live and pushed me in to a deeper relationship with God and challenged me to make him my main focus daily. This is a great book to go through individually or with a group.
Profile Image for Shannon.
602 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2014
This series by Cynthia Heald is an exception to my distaste for books written specifically for women and for group Bible study guides. (I usually find books in both of those categories shallow and boring, but I've enjoyed and been challenged by others in this particular series.)
Profile Image for Tayarta Brown.
6 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2013
This book is simply written, but it has a powerful and practical impact. It's a book you will definitely find yourself consistently reflecting on and returning to, as you grow closer to The Only True and Living Lord, while becoming a woman of simplicity.
Profile Image for Mandy.
69 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2010
I didn't actually finish this book. I feel like I should have liked it more than I did, but it was really repetitive and I got bored.
17 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2011
One of the best and most timely Bible studies that I have ever done. HIghly recommend for all busy women who long for still waters and peaceful meadows in the midst of 21st century chaos.
Profile Image for Jen.
294 reviews
January 16, 2013
Reading with my online Bible Study group, Jan 2012-March 2012.
Profile Image for Ambica Converse.
18 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2012
Cynthia brought it home to all women in how to simplify our lives in order to put the Savior first. I love this author, her books are very challenging and I learn a lot from each one of them.
Profile Image for Tracy.
17 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2014
This has been on of my favorite bible studies! It really hits home and makes you think about what is important. My whole group loved it and got a lot out of it. So glad we did it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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