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Jesus, Love, & Tacos
Shake off rote religiosity and tribalism with a spicy bite of God’s truth seasoned with an authentic connection to his love and his people.
“Let me do something for you.”
Carrie Stephens offers these words of hope from the heart of God in Jesus, Love, & Tacos as she uses vibrant metaphors and comi-cal self-deprecation to tell the story of lordship, community, and mission. These three ancient values will offer you help and hope as they shape your spiritual life, define how to gather in unity, and lead you to God’s missional love in action.
In the face of fear, sickness, and increasing polarization, Carrie provides a fresh encounter with the lordship of Jesus to right-size your expectations and transform your view of your life.
By looking at the example of the early church, you’ll find your- self brave enough to swallow your insecurities and forge ahead into the sometimes-painful world of the Church where healing and life happen through God’s faithfulness.
In this world of never-ending suffering and neediness, recon-sider the call to missional living afresh. Living with a mission will reinvigorate your connection to God and others, where you’ll find unexpected meaning and surprising opportunities. When you reach for the plates of truth and grace offered in these pages, you’ll reconnect with a God beyond your comprehension who is intimately involved in the details of your life.
“Let me do something for you.”
Carrie Stephens offers these words of hope from the heart of God in Jesus, Love, & Tacos as she uses vibrant metaphors and comi-cal self-deprecation to tell the story of lordship, community, and mission. These three ancient values will offer you help and hope as they shape your spiritual life, define how to gather in unity, and lead you to God’s missional love in action.
In the face of fear, sickness, and increasing polarization, Carrie provides a fresh encounter with the lordship of Jesus to right-size your expectations and transform your view of your life.
By looking at the example of the early church, you’ll find your- self brave enough to swallow your insecurities and forge ahead into the sometimes-painful world of the Church where healing and life happen through God’s faithfulness.
In this world of never-ending suffering and neediness, recon-sider the call to missional living afresh. Living with a mission will reinvigorate your connection to God and others, where you’ll find unexpected meaning and surprising opportunities. When you reach for the plates of truth and grace offered in these pages, you’ll reconnect with a God beyond your comprehension who is intimately involved in the details of your life.
- GenresChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 12, 2022
With retro-looking cover art and the title, Jesus, Love, and Tacos I knew I wanted to devour this book. And boy was it filling! I’m encouraged and motivated—and to be honest, craving tacos!
This isn’t a stodgy, tedious, or high-and-mighty kind of spiritual growth book. So, if you’re looking for that (and why on Earth would you do that?) then keep searching. But if you enjoy a conversational, fun, witty, down-to-earth chat with a sister-in-Christ, then this dish is just your taste.
With truth, sincerity, and humor, Carrie Stephens inspires, encourages, and offers food for the soul. I’m inspired and sated. (Sorry, not sorry about for the puns.)
First Lines: Once upon a time, twenty-five-ish years ago, a very White girl from Orange County, California, decided to major in Spanish at UCLA.
Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth
Page Count: 208
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
This isn’t a stodgy, tedious, or high-and-mighty kind of spiritual growth book. So, if you’re looking for that (and why on Earth would you do that?) then keep searching. But if you enjoy a conversational, fun, witty, down-to-earth chat with a sister-in-Christ, then this dish is just your taste.
With truth, sincerity, and humor, Carrie Stephens inspires, encourages, and offers food for the soul. I’m inspired and sated. (Sorry, not sorry about for the puns.)
First Lines: Once upon a time, twenty-five-ish years ago, a very White girl from Orange County, California, decided to major in Spanish at UCLA.
Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth
Page Count: 208
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
October 11, 2022
I had so much fun writing this book! I hope you enjoy reading it! If you've read my first book, Holy Guacamole, this has a similar tone and also includes similar glorious footnotes that tell you all the random asides jumping around in my head. The last two years have been challenging for so many of us, and my hope is this book will light our path forward as we grow to love God, ourselves, and others in deeper, more meaningful ways.
October 16, 2022
Jesus, Love, & Tacos
A Spicy Take on Lordship, Community, and Mission
by Carrie Stephens
Pub Date 11 Oct 2022
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Jesus, Love, & Tacos through Leafwood Publishers and Netgalley:
Carrie Stephens offers words of hope from the heart of God in Jesus, Love, & Tacos as she uses vibrant metaphors and comical self-deprecation to tell the story of lordship, community, and mission. These three ancient values will offer you help and hope as they shape your spiritual life, define how to gather in unity, and lead you to God’s missional love in action.
While facing fear, sickness, and increasing polarization, Carrie provides a fresh encounter with the lordship of Jesus to right-size your expectations and transform your view of your life.
Looking at the examples of the early Church you’ll find yourself brave enough to swallow your insecurities and forge ahead into the sometimes-painful world of the Church where healing and life happen through God’s faithfulness.
In a world of never ending neediness and suffering reconsider the call to missional living afresh. Living with a mission will reinvigorate your connection to God and others, where you’ll find unexpected meaning and surprising opportunities.
In these pages you will find plates of truth and grace, and you’ll reconnect with a God beyond your comprehension who is intimately involved in the details of your life.
I give Jesus, Love & Tacos five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
A Spicy Take on Lordship, Community, and Mission
by Carrie Stephens
Pub Date 11 Oct 2022
Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, Leafwood Publishers
Christian | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of Jesus, Love, & Tacos through Leafwood Publishers and Netgalley:
Carrie Stephens offers words of hope from the heart of God in Jesus, Love, & Tacos as she uses vibrant metaphors and comical self-deprecation to tell the story of lordship, community, and mission. These three ancient values will offer you help and hope as they shape your spiritual life, define how to gather in unity, and lead you to God’s missional love in action.
While facing fear, sickness, and increasing polarization, Carrie provides a fresh encounter with the lordship of Jesus to right-size your expectations and transform your view of your life.
Looking at the examples of the early Church you’ll find yourself brave enough to swallow your insecurities and forge ahead into the sometimes-painful world of the Church where healing and life happen through God’s faithfulness.
In a world of never ending neediness and suffering reconsider the call to missional living afresh. Living with a mission will reinvigorate your connection to God and others, where you’ll find unexpected meaning and surprising opportunities.
In these pages you will find plates of truth and grace, and you’ll reconnect with a God beyond your comprehension who is intimately involved in the details of your life.
I give Jesus, Love & Tacos five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 12, 2022
Jesus, Love and Tacos is everything that I am looking for when it comes to a great read. I love a book that has approachable readability….the author provides humor and personal stories that make the book down-to-earth and an easy read…..while at the same time, it provided the depth I crave when I invest the time into reading a book. This particular book piqued my interest as someone who has recently been on a journey towards re-learning what the role of church community is for our lives. I enjoyed the author’s way of making these sometimes abstract and difficult topics approachable and relatable. Overall, I found the book a fun, yet deeply insightful read that challenged me in the ways I thought about community. Most importantly, it inspired me to reflect and grow in my own post-pandemic journey. Jesus, Love, and Tacos is a book that I feel was a very timely and healing read for my own life and spiritual journey.
October 5, 2022
Carrie Stephens has done it again! In her much-anticipated work after her 2020 release "Holy Guacamole," Stephens has continued the delicious food analogies in order to make following Jesus not only seem possible, but desirable.
If you are not familiar with Stephens' style of writing, quickly cast off any preconceived notions you may have about a stuffy, unapproachable pastor's wife. Carrie is very much her own woman with a relatable approach to faith in Jesus. It's such a joy to read and hear so clearly Carrie's voice share the stories that mirror so many of my own life experiences (who here hasn't yelled at their kids? made unreasonable requests of their husbands? demanded things of God with audacity?).
While only halfway through the book, I quickly purchased an additional copy to give as a gift to a friend. This book is the sweet gift we all need - to remind us of the Lordship of King Jesus, His call to love OURSELVES (gasp!) so we can truly know God's love for us to in turn love others, and the joy of sharing Missional Tacos to those we do life with. If you are wary of reading a Christian book that will leave you heavy-laden, do not fear. This book will buoy your spirits and engage your pandemic traumatized heart with a hopeful view of following Jesus. And leave you laughing out loud at either the #'s or the "Oh, girl, me too!" moments.
Full transparency: You will probably also want to throw a Taco Party for 50 of your closest friends.
If you are not familiar with Stephens' style of writing, quickly cast off any preconceived notions you may have about a stuffy, unapproachable pastor's wife. Carrie is very much her own woman with a relatable approach to faith in Jesus. It's such a joy to read and hear so clearly Carrie's voice share the stories that mirror so many of my own life experiences (who here hasn't yelled at their kids? made unreasonable requests of their husbands? demanded things of God with audacity?).
While only halfway through the book, I quickly purchased an additional copy to give as a gift to a friend. This book is the sweet gift we all need - to remind us of the Lordship of King Jesus, His call to love OURSELVES (gasp!) so we can truly know God's love for us to in turn love others, and the joy of sharing Missional Tacos to those we do life with. If you are wary of reading a Christian book that will leave you heavy-laden, do not fear. This book will buoy your spirits and engage your pandemic traumatized heart with a hopeful view of following Jesus. And leave you laughing out loud at either the #'s or the "Oh, girl, me too!" moments.
Full transparency: You will probably also want to throw a Taco Party for 50 of your closest friends.
October 11, 2022
I love Jesus...I love "Love"...and I love tacos, so I had to read this book! I've been on a journey of being more intentional about loving others well and stepping out of my comfort zone to create community in the way that Jesus did.
So, I love the way the author was able to share biblical truth that points me to how Jesus showed us how to do this. And I love how the book is written in a fun and connecting way. It captured and kept my attention because of how it feels so conversational, super relatable, and so funny.
But most importantly, it reminded me if I want to love others well, I have to love like Jesus.
So, I love the way the author was able to share biblical truth that points me to how Jesus showed us how to do this. And I love how the book is written in a fun and connecting way. It captured and kept my attention because of how it feels so conversational, super relatable, and so funny.
But most importantly, it reminded me if I want to love others well, I have to love like Jesus.
October 12, 2022
Carrie stephens is absolutely amazing!!! She sure has done it again with Jesus loves tacos! I’m am horrible about getting out and putting myself out there but she really explains how fellowship is vital to a person in so many ways. She breaks things that are usually intimidating to myself and I’m sure others and really makes you see things clearly. I sped through this read because it was so easy to relate and understand all of the things.
October 12, 2022
The footnote comments, ya'll! I laughed SO hard! While I absolutely love Carrie's work and the way she is able to tell stories that make me think differently about the world, the hilarious footnotes really make me feel seen and understood. Expand your heart and increase your laugh lines with this GREAT read :)
October 13, 2022
This book is such a joy to read, just like Carrie’s first, “Holy Guacamole”. Her stories will leave you laughing, and the Biblical truths she conveys will leave you encouraged. I highly recommend pairing it with your favorite sparkling water, and of course, tacos. 😉 ✝️❤️🌮
October 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
Jesus, Love & Tacos was fun read that took complex spiritual concepts and made them approachable by comparisons to everyday life (trusty family car, home renovations and of course, tacos).
As an introvert, I need a lot of help and encouragement when it comes to building and engaging in my community whether it is at home, the church or the city. Carrie Stephens offers a practical map of intentionality with scripture as guideposts. This book not only made me laugh, but it made me pause and consider where I can be a better missionary at home.
Jesus, Love & Tacos was fun read that took complex spiritual concepts and made them approachable by comparisons to everyday life (trusty family car, home renovations and of course, tacos).
As an introvert, I need a lot of help and encouragement when it comes to building and engaging in my community whether it is at home, the church or the city. Carrie Stephens offers a practical map of intentionality with scripture as guideposts. This book not only made me laugh, but it made me pause and consider where I can be a better missionary at home.
October 11, 2022
Came for the taco recs, stayed for the Godly wisdom.
When a Christian book includes the line “In my experience, a good red lipstick and a wicked sense of humor can ruin a man’s ability to be logical quickly, no app required”, you know it’s not going to be like any other Christian book you’ve ever come across. You’ll have to pick up your own copy to find out how that connects to Jesus.
So funny, so relatable!
When a Christian book includes the line “In my experience, a good red lipstick and a wicked sense of humor can ruin a man’s ability to be logical quickly, no app required”, you know it’s not going to be like any other Christian book you’ve ever come across. You’ll have to pick up your own copy to find out how that connects to Jesus.
So funny, so relatable!
October 11, 2022
It took me a hot minute to digest the meatiness that this book dishes out! Along with its saucy anecdotes the real tasty parts need time to simmer within so that your heart, mind, and emotions can catch up to what God’s Spirit is speaking to your own spirit. Keep reading…chapter 6 is one of the best descriptions (I’ve read explained) of the Trinity and why fellowship is vital to the health and vitality of humankind!
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October 10, 2022Carrie does it again! How someone can so effortlessly connect Jesus and Mexican food always makes me laugh. Carrie has a true understanding of the heart of Jesus and how His heart is constantly pointing us towards loving each other. This book is amazingly deep and yet easy to read at the same time. I cannot recommend it enough. The world needs more hearts set on fire the way Carrie’s is. We are lucky to have her work and her faithful obedience in using her gift of writing!
October 11, 2022
Carrie Stephens is the kind of author that makes you want to immediately become best friends with her. She is hilarious and deep and relatable and just amazing. After reading her first book (Holy Guacamole) I knew I needed Jesus, Love, and Tacos. It did not disappoint! You will laugh and cry and grow and all the things a good book will bring you to....and you'll crave all the tacos!!
October 11, 2022
Another delicious inspiration from Carrie Stephens! She has a tasty way of connecting all things we love! Jesus - Tacos - Love - life!!!! Grab this one you won't leave with a full belly but you will have a full heart and whet your appetite for time with Jesus! 💗 Plus you might just want to jump in and share over a taco party! 🌮
October 11, 2022
More than anything, I love how the author's writing makes me feel. Great stories, Bible content, and insight all put together. This book makes me smile, think and want to love God and people more. Definitely a unique voice!
October 5, 2022
I am not completely sure where to start. This book has a fantastic title and that is what drew me in. I was expecting some heartwarming and fun personal stories and experience, but I wasn't expecting such well explained biblical truths. I knew I was hooked when in the introduction the author quotes Ferris Bueller, so I knew the great stories and pop culture references would be in my experience. However as you dig into each chapter it feels as though great Biblical truths about Lordship, Community and Mission are revealed to me. They are revealed in a way that teaches, convicts, and inspires. It's funny and yet it's serious. It's light and yet it's heavy. This is a book that will stay with me for many years along my walk with God.
October 10, 2022
Anything with Tacos has to be worth the time. And Carrie Stephens did it. The story telling was worth it - grab a cup of tea. Get inspired and enjoy more than tacos.
October 5, 2022
Reading one of Carrie's books is like having a conversation with a close, trusted friend. Her words made me laugh, made me cry, made me think and made me see some areas of my life that need some healing so that I can love others appropriately and wholeheartedly. This book helped me name the thing I've been yearning for - connection to others. Jesus, Love & Tacos is friendship, therapy, tough love and a call to action in one spicy little package.
October 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! The title is light and fun and gives a nod to Carrie’s amazing sarcasm and wit, but this book is also so theologically rich with depth that kept me thinking about what I read over and over. A must read!
October 5, 2022
I love the title of this book, and that was the reason I was initially excited to read it. As I started reading, I was blown away by the author's perspective, presented with humor and insight. Stephens delves deep into the Gospel to present her thoughts on lordship, community, and mission. This is my first experience with the author, but it will definitely not be my last. She has an uncanny ability to connect with her readers as her words teach, convict and inspire.
January 3, 2023
The title alone was enough to make me pick up this book. I mean- tacos and Jesus- yes please. Carrie Stephens combines personal stories, humor and scripture in this book about mission and community. The book is an easy but meaty read for those looking for a little serving of Jesus, Love, and Tacos.
November 2, 2022
Jesus, love and tacos is such a good book!! Definitely recommend!! It's heart warming and down to earth but also gives some hard hitting Biblical truths. It's honest, convicting and inspiring in every chapter!
Carrie doesn't sugar coat or hide away from hard hitting topics. She gives guidance in a loving and kind way but is direct and straight to the point.
Reading Jesus, Love and Tacos is like having a sit down all out conversation with your bestie. There's no judgement or criticism. Just advice we can all use in our journeys to be more like Jesus.
Carrie bases everything on scriptures and uses situations from her own life that we've likely experienced to some degree to not only show where maybe she'd failed but also how she grew as a person, mother and daughter of Christ. She shows us that it's not only possible for us to change but also how to change!
Loved it!
Thank you @netgalley for my arc!
Carrie doesn't sugar coat or hide away from hard hitting topics. She gives guidance in a loving and kind way but is direct and straight to the point.
Reading Jesus, Love and Tacos is like having a sit down all out conversation with your bestie. There's no judgement or criticism. Just advice we can all use in our journeys to be more like Jesus.
Carrie bases everything on scriptures and uses situations from her own life that we've likely experienced to some degree to not only show where maybe she'd failed but also how she grew as a person, mother and daughter of Christ. She shows us that it's not only possible for us to change but also how to change!
Loved it!
Thank you @netgalley for my arc!
November 4, 2022
I've never met Carrie Stephens personally but reading this book made me feel like I was talking with a friend! She's convinced me that she deeply loves Jesus and she does it by sharing Bible scripture, her personal experiences, and pop culture references. A book titled Jesus, Love, & Tacos that has God's Word plus quotes from Ferris Bueller, Michael Scott, and Phoebe Buffay just has to be both inspiring and entertaining!
If you're needing encouragement as you navigate this journey called life, grab a copy of this book! Stephens shares nuggets of joy and inspiration that have been flavored with humor and laughter, as she reminds readers that "God isn't choosy about who joins the party, so long as they're hungry and willing to leave their cares and worries behind."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
If you're needing encouragement as you navigate this journey called life, grab a copy of this book! Stephens shares nuggets of joy and inspiration that have been flavored with humor and laughter, as she reminds readers that "God isn't choosy about who joins the party, so long as they're hungry and willing to leave their cares and worries behind."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
December 20, 2022
This book is a fresh and tasty take on lordship, discipleship, and fellowship. My favorite thing about Carrie's writing is that it feels like you are sitting down to a great conversation with a close friend. Her style of writing is so refreshing and fun. You literally can hear her side comments and thoughts, which make the challenging parts more easy to swallow, and also more personal. She tackles tough concepts that are essential to living the faithful and fruitful Christian life. I appreciate her realness and relational writing. It's not just a book suggesting how to live the Christian life, it's a book that dives into the scriptures and brings them to life. Just like the best tacos you've ever tasted, like the beef has been marinated for hours, deep and satisfying, this book has a depth and flavor to it that will make you want to come back for more!
October 26, 2022
This was an awesome book by author Carrie Stephens. First off, the title is amazing, and who doesn't love tacos, and Jesus too? I think what I liked most about this particular book is that it was easy to read and follow along with, even if you don't know much theologically. I happen to be a pastor, but would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Christianity. Chapter 6 and the Holy Dance (perichoresis) was well written, and did a great job explaining the mystery that occurs. Overall, this was a great book, and it now lives in my "to recommend" pile.
October 10, 2022
Just what I needed to read after the last couple of years in the church world. I expected this book to be entertaining and it was. What I didn't expect was to be reminded and challenged with some hard topics that I have been wrestling with. The author is spot on with truth throughout. It was meaty like a good taco should be! This book would be a great one for small group or book clubs. I enjoyed it and highly recommend.
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October 29, 2022This book has an uncanny ability to make top some of faith relatable to everyday occurrences. It makes mission and relationship and self worth more understandable. Not just feel good or persecuting but something to consider in your own relationship with the Lord. Well Done.
October 16, 2022
This book is humor and truth wrapped in a warm, flour tortilla. The author is so personable and talks about Christian values in a way that is relatable and warms the soul. Highly recommend reading!
September 16, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A good interesting read for all Christians out there. A fast easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews