Transformed Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits

by Missy Eversole

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you set aside the pressures of the world and focused back on the time when you first became a believer?

What might happen if we placed our value in Christ instead of our to-do lists, accomplishments, and social media image? Missy Eversole invites you to do just that in Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits.

Filled with honest personal stories and relatable examples from Scripture, Transformed, Not Conformed offers
• a respite from society’s demands to be Pinterest perfect, using a fresh approach to spiritual habits;
• ways to create habits of Bible reading, meditation, prayer, silence, solitude, and fasting that you can stick with;
• benefits of connecting with God through journaling and worship.

Drawing from the hills and valleys of her own transformation journey, Missy paves the way to ignite (or reignite) a love for Christ and a hunger for Him that is truly life-changing.

170 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

About the author

Missy Eversole is living proof that God will take an insecure woman and give her the boldness, courage, and fearlessness needed to accomplish His will through writing, podcasting, and speaking.

She is the author of "Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits (Redemption Press). Her writing is featured in Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies, COMPEL Training, and the devotional "Love, Joy, & Peace." She speaks to women across the Midwest on transforming in Christ and encourages them to live audaciously for Him.

As host of the Bold Faith Now podcast, Missy gives listeners the daring confidence they need to be joyful witnesses in a culture of compromise.

She graduated from the Christian Communicators Conference, is a Certified and Trained Activate Speaker, is a member of the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a Colson Fellow.

Missy and her family live in Morton, Illinois, “The Land of Lincoln.” Self-proclaimed “history nerds,” Missy and her husband love to travel to historical sites throughout the United States.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is warm and inviting in this book. I felt like she was sitting with me and talking to me as a friend sharing her heart. I can identify with the author’s struggle of pleasing people and of going through the motions in her walk with the Lord. How she lost her fire for Christ, but then discovered how to reignite that fire and maintain it.

I appreciated the author’s approach of walking through the spiritual disciplines that helped to reignite her fire for Christ. I loved how she clarified what Christian meditation is compared to Eastern meditation and how she used this discipline to get through a challenging time in her family. I also appreciated the concrete examples of how to utilize these disciplines to go deeper in my own walk with the Lord, as well as the reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

The author’s desire for the reader to grow closer to the Lord shines through this book, and she provides the resources to do so. She says, “Now is the time, friends, to be transformed and not conformed. It’s never too late to grow closer to God. He is waiting for you with open arms. Run and embrace Him!” I certainly agree and highly recommend this book!.

[Anastasia Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual habits used to feel overwhelming and not realistic. That was until I read Transformed, Not Conformed by Missy Eversole! This book helped me to see how doable spiritual habits really are. Missy has a way of drawing the reader in and making you feel like you’re talking with a friend who understands you. I especially loved learning more about the spiritual habit of meditation on God’s word. I started using the app Missy shared about in the book and have grown in my walk with God. It was great to learn ways to enrich the spiritual habits I already do. This book is a breath of fresh air for those who want to grow closer to God. It’s practical and doable. I highly recommend it!

[Kathy Bruins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missy Eversole writes from her experience in being transformed. The first few pages of the book told me that this was going to be an internal experience for the reader. The garbage we carry from the world needs to be cleaned up and God is the only one who can do it. Through the Holy Spirit, the reading of Scripture speaks volumes and allows Christ to transform us into the creation he had planned. The journal pages give the reader an opportunity to process what they have read and apply it to their life. That’s what it’s all about … the beauty of application for the wondrous transformation.

[Dorcas Swartzentruber]

I've been reading author Missy Eversole's first book releasing on Oct 5th, #TransformedNotConformed! I am enjoying her fresh honesty and realistic portrayal of her life as a growing believer. She gives practical examples of ways to deepen your walk with God. I especially appreciate the way she delves onto the spiritual disciplines. The thought questions found throughout the book encourage personal contemplation. Find more info at https://missyeversole.com/transformed....

[Tracey Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate the authors honesty and candor especially when it came to losing patients with waiting on her kids. I have been there and done that, and it’s nice to know that I am not alone. Learning how to change habits and make the most of our time with God is so important for growth.

[DrJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformed Not Conformed is a definite "must read". The author's ability to write in a way that makes you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend is masterful. This book challenges us to form spiritual habits that will truly transform our lives.

I appreciated the transparency the author offered as she walked through her story and encouraged the reader to unpack those things that are hindering us.

From the first sentence, I knew this book would have a major impact on my life. I definitely needed the reminder that I am the daughter of a King. I highly recommend this book for those who are ready to be transformed.

[Rhoda Kennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! From the author's honesty about her own personal life, her struggles and her victories--she's refreshingly real! But I am also always looking for ways to grow spiritually, to get to know God more, and her book gives some very practical suggestions to shut out the world's busy-ness, and just BE with God! Some of the suggestions I have already done (the silence and solitude retreat is one of them) and will continue to do, thanks to her practical suggestions on how to make that time more meaningful. She also gave some new ideas that I am really eager to try. I also loved reading her adaptations of some of the women of the Bible--I felt like they came to life as "real women" with real life issues and real faith. It challenged me to do more of the same in my own quiet time with God. Again, this is a very practical book, I felt, and easy to read and understand!

[Rena LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, I realized I was becoming increasingly discontent with my spiritual life. In a social media driven world, I saw Christianity becoming more and more about style and less about substance, and I did not find any fulfillment in it. To address this deficit in my life, I started reading books about spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines. Practices like meditation, solitude, and silence especially appealed to me because they offered an alternative to the noise and busyness of my everyday life.

In Transformed Not Conformed, Missy Eversole shares her own journey and the spiritual habits that have helped deepen her walk with God during some difficult times in her life. Full of honest, relatable reflections and practical tips for practicing several of the spiritual disciplines (prayer, meditation, study, journaling, silence & solitude, fasting, and worship), this book is an excellent resource for anyone for a way to go deeper in a relationship with Christ.

[Lundquist Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Transformed Not Conformed is like sitting across the author, Missy Eversole, with a cup of coffee or tea and listening to her share with you. She has a clear approach to sharing, and wants to use what she has learned to help you grow in your Christian life.

I greatly appreciated how she compared the differences of Christian meditation to Eastern meditation, an important clarification in this day and age, and differing opinions. I also appreciated the journals at the end of each chapter to allow the reader to process each chapter through meaningful questions.

I received a portion of the book as a part of the launch team. I do not feel like I can give a five-star review since I did not read the entire book.

[Barbara Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformed Not Conformed sounded like a sermon title to me. And it possibly should since it is based on Romans 12:2. Missy Eversole gives it a more personal touch, though, when she tells about her behavior in the school parking lot and about some other occurrences in her daily life. I especially appreciated how she related the lives of biblical women to “embracing a life-changing approach to spiritual habits”.

This book is not a quick read because the reader needs to allow time for introspection and digestion. However, I do recommend it for your “to-read” list.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the midst of major life changes, this book has reminded me of how important it is to focus on my own spiritual habits. I found that Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits by Missy Eversole was filled with practical approaches to reset my own journey in spiritual habits while immersing into the author’s personal stories. I loved that this book affirmed that I don’t have to be “Pinterest Perfect.”

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, I’ve felt called to work on spiritual habits and spend more time in solitude, but honestly, it’s been a constant struggle. I feel the tug of escape through a story or screen more than ever. I’m loving reading Missy Eversole’s practical, easy to read tips on different ways to approach spiritual disciplines in her book Transformed Not Conformed. I love that she even includes a Pandora list of music to try.

As a professional counselor, I know the importance of practicing spirituality because it impacts our mental health and our longevity. Transformed Not Conformed gives practical examples of baby steps we can take so that we can begin incorporating spiritual practices in our everyday lives more easily.

Michelle Nietert, LPC-S

[Shelly Whitenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhausted and overcommitted...Are you feeling this way? This busy world can absolutely bring us to a breaking point, which is where the author found herself, a few years back. Eversole shares tips and tools that she learned to where she now leads a life that is more balanced, despite the noises of the outside world. Her journey of transformation is beautifully written and the author helps teach the reader that much is found in silence and solitude. Eversole ties in stories from the Bible, and she leads the reader to reflect and journal by asking leading questions to ponder on. This book is a welcomed read in this busy, fast-paced world!

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The term “spiritual habits” can seem a bit daunting at first glance. But with Transformed, Not Conformed, Missy Eversole presents these timeless and oh-so-transformational habits in a way that anyone can understand and embrace. Drawing upon her own life’s experiences, Eversole uses personal stories, along with a real and relatable, I’ve-been-there-and-done-that approach to connect with her readers. Her advice on incorporating such spiritual practices as prayer, meditation, journaling, silence and solitude, and more into my life is truly powerful. This book would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s library of faith.

[Deborah Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, I belonged to a small bible study. What I enjoyed about it, it was just friends, talking about God and encouraging each other. I haven’t been able to find another one like where I live. Reading the book by Missy Eversole, I found that same feeling. Like I was having coffee with a friend learning about the bible without feeling like you need a degree in Theology to follow. What I particularly like about the book are: The journaling pages are in the book, not a separate study guide. I also like how the author humorously draws comparisons to the bible age and today. For example, comparing our phones to the golden calf. It makes you think, not just when you’re reading it, but later. That is what the author does, she plants seeds of change. Transformed not Conformed, I like the book, I think you will also.
Deborah Furlong

[Regina Marcazzo-Skarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be easy reading and very practical. I can relate to that sense of Jesus feeling distant because of my being too busy and scattered. Transformed, Not Conformed, gives tough, yet doable steps, to make transforming changes. The reflection and journal questions are also helpful. My favorite chapter is the one about practicing the spiritual habit of silence and solitude. I love the tips about what to do when it is difficult to clear the mind and focus. “Keep a notebook nearby jot that thought down on a piece of paper, and continue with your silence and solitude time. You will find it easy to get back into your quiet time once it’s written.” Such a good idea and there are many more. I also find the author’s transparency refreshing.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introductory book on the spiritual disciplines for today. If you want to get started on spiritual formation, but aren't sure where to begin, Missy Eversole gives practical tips. She shares warm, relatable personal stories and breaks down Bible stories with good insight. She chooses the spiritual disciplines that have shaped her most, and guides you on how to work them into your daily life. The book is beautifully designed and flows nicely between chapters. A wonderful first book from this budding author.

I received a preview copy of Transformed Not Conformed from the publisher.

[Missy]

This book, "Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits" by Missy Eversole is pretty amazing!

Missy takes us on a journey, just like you were sitting across from a friend, of changing habits and digging deeper with Christ. I love her honesty of sharing her journey and plenty of scripture to go along with it.

Pick up a copy today, you will love your transformation!!

[Erin Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, I wondered if Missy Eversole had been in my house! Her writing is genuine and straight from the heart. Recognizing myself in the ideas that “things” of this world can easily cause stumbling blocks allowed me to take a step back and refocus on what it means to be transformed in a true Christ-like manner. Fantastic read!

[Cheryl Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you feel overwhelmed by life's demands? Join Missy Eversole on a journey to the heart of God through the spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, meditation, prayer, silence, and solitude. Her book is practical yet powerful!

[Heather Voelz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this. Gained practical advice on how to be faithful in the spiritual disciplines in different seasons of life.