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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl
Is Something Missing in Your Life? Lysa TerKeurst knows what it's like to consider God just another thing on her to-do list. For years she went through the motions of a Christian Go to church. Pray. Be nice. Longing for a deeper connection between what she knew in her head and her everyday reality, she wanted to personally experience God's presence. Drawing from her own remarkable story of step-by-step faith, Lysa invites you to uncover the spiritually exciting life we all yearn for. With her trademark wit and spiritual wisdom, Lysa will help you :
* Learn how to make a Bible passage come alive in your own devotion time.
* Replace doubt, regret, and envy with truth, confidence, and praise.
* Stop the unhealthy cycles of striving and truly learn to love who you are and what you've been given.
* Discover how to have inner peace and security in any situation
* Sense God responding to your prayers The adventure God has in store for your life just might blow you away.
* Learn how to make a Bible passage come alive in your own devotion time.
* Replace doubt, regret, and envy with truth, confidence, and praise.
* Stop the unhealthy cycles of striving and truly learn to love who you are and what you've been given.
* Discover how to have inner peace and security in any situation
* Sense God responding to your prayers The adventure God has in store for your life just might blow you away.
218 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
369 people are currently reading
3477 people want to read
About the author
Lysa TerKeurst
143 books32.7k followersLysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of Univited, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 18 other books. Her newest book, It’s Not Supposed to be This Way, is scheduled for release in November of 2018. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as CNN and Fox News online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America, including the Women of Joy Conferences and the Catalyst Leadership Conference. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God's glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference and writer training program, COMPEL: Words That Move People.
Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at http://lysaterkeurst.com/.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America, including the Women of Joy Conferences and the Catalyst Leadership Conference. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God's glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference and writer training program, COMPEL: Words That Move People.
Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at http://lysaterkeurst.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
December 15, 2009
There are books that you like and recommend. Then there are those books that you wonder how they even got published. And then there are books like this one that stay with you and you rave to all your friends about it.
Lysa has written a book that will cling to you for days...even weeks...after you have read it, and then browsed the "notes" section because it was that good!
When the book arrived in my mailbox I flipped through the pages in search of the lists telling me what t-do and what not-to-do in my journey of Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl. But it didn't have any lists or nicely bullet-ed points.
Instead this book was like grabbing a steamy cup of something yummy to drink and sitting down for a heart-to-heart talk with my best friend. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. I cried again. And I rejoiced!
I rejoiced because Lysa knows how I feel. She knows what it's been like to try and be that good Bible study girl and never seem to arrive. She knows what it's like to do the daily devotional duty and long for something more. And she knows what it's like to desire perfection in life and always be filled with frustration that it's just not happening.
Lysa's book won't tell you what to-do or what not-to-do in the right order at the right time to reach the goal you are desiring so desperately. No, it won't do that. But it will encourage you, refresh you, and excite you as you smell, taste, and hear of hope and real life.
It may be letting go of your expectations or replacing your doubt-filled thoughts with truth. Whatever it is for you, Lysa is your friend, in cream pages in black ink, that will walk you hand-in-hand on this journey to Becoming More Than Just A Good Bible Study Girl.
Oh! And Lysa, if you are reading this...I'm sorry about the cookie crumbs, coffee stains, and tear splatters on the pages...but I had so much fun with you! Thank you for your ministry.
Lysa has written a book that will cling to you for days...even weeks...after you have read it, and then browsed the "notes" section because it was that good!
When the book arrived in my mailbox I flipped through the pages in search of the lists telling me what t-do and what not-to-do in my journey of Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl. But it didn't have any lists or nicely bullet-ed points.
Instead this book was like grabbing a steamy cup of something yummy to drink and sitting down for a heart-to-heart talk with my best friend. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. I cried again. And I rejoiced!
I rejoiced because Lysa knows how I feel. She knows what it's been like to try and be that good Bible study girl and never seem to arrive. She knows what it's like to do the daily devotional duty and long for something more. And she knows what it's like to desire perfection in life and always be filled with frustration that it's just not happening.
Lysa's book won't tell you what to-do or what not-to-do in the right order at the right time to reach the goal you are desiring so desperately. No, it won't do that. But it will encourage you, refresh you, and excite you as you smell, taste, and hear of hope and real life.
It may be letting go of your expectations or replacing your doubt-filled thoughts with truth. Whatever it is for you, Lysa is your friend, in cream pages in black ink, that will walk you hand-in-hand on this journey to Becoming More Than Just A Good Bible Study Girl.
Oh! And Lysa, if you are reading this...I'm sorry about the cookie crumbs, coffee stains, and tear splatters on the pages...but I had so much fun with you! Thank you for your ministry.
June 1, 2014
Plain and simply, this book is changing my life. I apologize if that sounds melodramatic but God is working in my heart and mind through what I've read in this book. I am reading this as part of a small group study and still have a couple of days before I meet with my Bible Study Girls to discuss it but I had to capture my thoughts right now!
Not only does Lysa TerKeurst write as if she is sitting across a table having coffee with you, she has an uncanny ability to make statements that drive straight into my heart. She has convinced me that it is possible to see and experience God in everything...from prayers to rainstorms to chance encounters (because let's face it, God's in control so nothing is really a "chance" - we just need to recognize it for what He wants us to).
I didn't want it to end but when I read the last few paragraphs, I knew I had arrived at the point I needed to be. Like Lysa, I'm living in the anticipation of that "peaceful assurance that whatever got [me] to this moment was all worth it."
Read this book...better yet, read it in a small group. Take the time to let God's plan and purpose for us on this earth to seep into your soul. You won't see the world the same again!
Not only does Lysa TerKeurst write as if she is sitting across a table having coffee with you, she has an uncanny ability to make statements that drive straight into my heart. She has convinced me that it is possible to see and experience God in everything...from prayers to rainstorms to chance encounters (because let's face it, God's in control so nothing is really a "chance" - we just need to recognize it for what He wants us to).
I didn't want it to end but when I read the last few paragraphs, I knew I had arrived at the point I needed to be. Like Lysa, I'm living in the anticipation of that "peaceful assurance that whatever got [me] to this moment was all worth it."
Read this book...better yet, read it in a small group. Take the time to let God's plan and purpose for us on this earth to seep into your soul. You won't see the world the same again!
November 29, 2010
“Forever”. That was the last chapter of “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl”. Chapter 18-Forever.
Sadly, the book cannot last forever and instead, it ended with a beautiful chapter talking about forever with our Heavenly Father. Reading and working through “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was an amazing journey, because it is more and wasn’t about how to effectively bible study.
Thankfully to our Heavenly Father, is that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is forever
There are plenty of tips and articles and books about the subject, but “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was about something bigger-It was about when the study ends, like all book studies does, and where do we go from there.
What I enjoyed about the book, was that it challenges you not to just look for the next great bible study, but instead, it discusses about how to start basing our relationships with our Heavenly Father not wrapped around book studies or great speakers we admire, but to go beyond that and focus on experiencing a very personal and intentional relationship that begins where the book studies end.
From the publisher details about this book,
”
Like many women, Lysa TerKeurst knows what its like to consider God just another thing on her to-do list. For years she went through the motions of a Christian life: Go to church. Pray. Be nice. Yet she wanted a deeper connection between what she knew in her head and what she felt in her heart. She wanted to personally experience Gods presence.
In this latest book, drawing from her own remarkable story of step-by-step faith, TerKeurst invites women to uncover the spiritually exciting life they long for. With her trademark wit and spiritual wisdom, TerKeurst helps readers enjoy the passion of conversation with God, discover the life-changing words of the Bible, watch God use disappointments for good, and find incredible joy as they live their faith out every day.
Whether readers are using this book individually or in a group Bible study, TerKeurst will inspire them to see that Jesus does make a beautiful difference in their livesand that fulfillment is closer than they ever thought possible.”
How true that many of us tend to treat our relationship with our Heavenly Father as a checklist of “to-do” and when done, “checking it off”.
The truth is, to have a deep, fufilling relationship with our Heavenly Father, it is something that is intentional, and never ending and Lysa shares, in an authentic and often humorous look at how we can have that deep, beautiful and real relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Your heart will be touched-Your soul will be encouraged-”Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” is highly recommended if you are looking for that book to just really kick-start your relationship with our Heavenly Father into a much deeper and richer relationship.
Sadly, the book cannot last forever and instead, it ended with a beautiful chapter talking about forever with our Heavenly Father. Reading and working through “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was an amazing journey, because it is more and wasn’t about how to effectively bible study.
Thankfully to our Heavenly Father, is that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is forever
There are plenty of tips and articles and books about the subject, but “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” was about something bigger-It was about when the study ends, like all book studies does, and where do we go from there.
What I enjoyed about the book, was that it challenges you not to just look for the next great bible study, but instead, it discusses about how to start basing our relationships with our Heavenly Father not wrapped around book studies or great speakers we admire, but to go beyond that and focus on experiencing a very personal and intentional relationship that begins where the book studies end.
From the publisher details about this book,
”
Like many women, Lysa TerKeurst knows what its like to consider God just another thing on her to-do list. For years she went through the motions of a Christian life: Go to church. Pray. Be nice. Yet she wanted a deeper connection between what she knew in her head and what she felt in her heart. She wanted to personally experience Gods presence.
In this latest book, drawing from her own remarkable story of step-by-step faith, TerKeurst invites women to uncover the spiritually exciting life they long for. With her trademark wit and spiritual wisdom, TerKeurst helps readers enjoy the passion of conversation with God, discover the life-changing words of the Bible, watch God use disappointments for good, and find incredible joy as they live their faith out every day.
Whether readers are using this book individually or in a group Bible study, TerKeurst will inspire them to see that Jesus does make a beautiful difference in their livesand that fulfillment is closer than they ever thought possible.”
How true that many of us tend to treat our relationship with our Heavenly Father as a checklist of “to-do” and when done, “checking it off”.
The truth is, to have a deep, fufilling relationship with our Heavenly Father, it is something that is intentional, and never ending and Lysa shares, in an authentic and often humorous look at how we can have that deep, beautiful and real relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Your heart will be touched-Your soul will be encouraged-”Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” is highly recommended if you are looking for that book to just really kick-start your relationship with our Heavenly Father into a much deeper and richer relationship.
November 13, 2009
Absolutely loved this book and am going to read it again and take notes. She writes so easily, makes you laugh, makes you think, makes you WANT to think about what it means to be more than a good Bible study girl. She's real and it comes through in her writings and stories about herself. Would recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper, better, real relationship with God. She gives very practical things you can do to draw closer to Him.
January 24, 2011
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down once I started. Lysa has a wonderful way of sharing her life story and showing others how to bring out the good in themselves. I would highly recommend it to ladies of all ages. I would love to do the actual Bible study that goes along with it as well.
June 5, 2011
This is the first of Lysa's books I have read. Her work is easy to read and very relatable to every day life. I appreciated her frankness and honesty in sharing her personal experiences; helping me to see her human struggles with her spiritual growth. This will definitely be a book which I will return to in the future to re-read all or portions of.
March 17, 2012
This book was AWESOME! I loved it so much and recommend it to everyone! All of her quirky stories like the "Great Brownie Failure of 2008" were things I HAVE done. I could easily relate to everything and found the book full of funny stories (and a few sad ones too, but more funny ones;) that I could easily relate to and learn from. I was the Pineapple girl too, lol! This is a GREAT book!
December 2, 2012
We can be good Bible study girls and still not be living out the truths we are studying. Why? Because it’s easy to study but often difficult to apply the hard truths to our life that God serves up in the Scriptures. In “Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl,” Lysa Terkeurst offers a solution to the endless studying without application. It won’t be easy and will involve looking deep inside yourself for the reasons we act the way we do and the desire to turn away from our flesh.
If you are yearning for a deeper relationship and adventure with Christ, read Lysa’s book and let her openness and honesty transform your Bible study. Let her walk you through trying to be good enough, making your devotions more exciting, ridding yourself of envy, dealing with your struggles, learning to be yourself and finding God in unlikely places.
As a final send-off, Lysa challenges readers to pray dangerous prayers—those prayers that force you to put yourself and your desires, prejudices and feelings aside and open yourself up to God’s heart, mind and will.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a contest. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
If you are yearning for a deeper relationship and adventure with Christ, read Lysa’s book and let her openness and honesty transform your Bible study. Let her walk you through trying to be good enough, making your devotions more exciting, ridding yourself of envy, dealing with your struggles, learning to be yourself and finding God in unlikely places.
As a final send-off, Lysa challenges readers to pray dangerous prayers—those prayers that force you to put yourself and your desires, prejudices and feelings aside and open yourself up to God’s heart, mind and will.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a contest. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Want to read
August 31, 2012From the Introduction:
"So what is the message I'm delivering in this book? I want to help women not only know God's truth but also feel equipped to live it out in their everyday lives. For too many years I was full of Bible knowledge with no idea how to let the truths I knew impact my daily life. I would go to Bible study, leave all inspired, and then come home and have a complete meltdown over spilling bleach on my favorite shirt. Or a kid's bad attitude. Or finding out a friend betrayed me. Or gaining back the five pounds over a weekend that took me two months to lose. How do we apply truth to this kind of everyday stuff?
So, if you're looking for another "keep on keeping on" book for your bookshelf, if you're looking for a little more kumbaya in your life, or a good Jesus feeling, or how to play the Christian game better, read elsewhere."
"So what is the message I'm delivering in this book? I want to help women not only know God's truth but also feel equipped to live it out in their everyday lives. For too many years I was full of Bible knowledge with no idea how to let the truths I knew impact my daily life. I would go to Bible study, leave all inspired, and then come home and have a complete meltdown over spilling bleach on my favorite shirt. Or a kid's bad attitude. Or finding out a friend betrayed me. Or gaining back the five pounds over a weekend that took me two months to lose. How do we apply truth to this kind of everyday stuff?
So, if you're looking for another "keep on keeping on" book for your bookshelf, if you're looking for a little more kumbaya in your life, or a good Jesus feeling, or how to play the Christian game better, read elsewhere."
February 26, 2016
I have read so many Lysa's books. God plays this book in my path at this exact moment in my life for a reason. I could love to tell you that this is my favorite book by Lysa, it truly may be. The personal stories and scripture coinciding have been an encouragement. Every chapter I have caught myself thinking, "Yes, a totally similar thing happened to me.!"
If I had read this book when it was first published, by heart would not have resonated with the tales & wisdom Lysa imparts. I'm great full it crossed my reading path in 2016.
If I had read this book when it was first published, by heart would not have resonated with the tales & wisdom Lysa imparts. I'm great full it crossed my reading path in 2016.
June 5, 2014
This is one of the BEST books on Christian living I have ever read! I would use this with new Christians and mature alike. Lysa has a wonderful and funny writing style that draws you in, engages you, and helps you apply God's Word to your own life.
June 1, 2015
I was able to relate to Lysa as she explained each point. I really enjoyed this book! I followed along on an ebook while listening to her read it on audiobook.
March 4, 2016
What a fantastic book! Loved it, particularly the last 3 chapters and it was a great bible study to do in a small group!
December 29, 2016
Great read
This book was a great encouragement and I would read it again. I really liked the audio as well since Lysa is the reader.
This book was a great encouragement and I would read it again. I really liked the audio as well since Lysa is the reader.
August 18, 2019
This book was exactly what I needed. It felt like Lysa wrote a book that was specifically intended for me to read, and in that I see God’s hand. She has a fun writing style that is relatable and let’s you put yourself in her shoes.
This book is all about throwing out those Bible study girl checklist items and seeking a close and personal relationship with God. The true secret to being fulfilled and content is “Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth, [and me] with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up.” There were so many real life applications I took from this book and wrote in my prayer journal. I am looking forward to applying them and deepening my relationship with Him. This will not be the last of Lysa’s books I read!
This book is all about throwing out those Bible study girl checklist items and seeking a close and personal relationship with God. The true secret to being fulfilled and content is “Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth, [and me] with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up.” There were so many real life applications I took from this book and wrote in my prayer journal. I am looking forward to applying them and deepening my relationship with Him. This will not be the last of Lysa’s books I read!
November 17, 2018
I love the messages this book conveyed! However, it is up to the reader to apply what they learned to their practical lives. After reading, I am excited for a new journey on "becoming more." Lysa is unique in her writing such that she does not merely convey information, but that she weaves in storytelling. The storytelling element helps entertain the reader while conveying important messages. With that being said, I was able to connect more, relate more, and remember more of what I read. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking transformation and positivity.
April 8, 2021
Some good stuff
Unfortunately, TerKeurst fluffed the good stuff with drivel about her everyday life then drew a loose connection with the lesson she wanted to present. The effect seemed to suggest she didn't feel like she had the authority to speak to women without the buy-in of proving she's an ordinary relatable girl.
I skimmed the first few pages of each chapter until I got to the real content. Glad it was a library book and didn't purchase it.
Unfortunately, TerKeurst fluffed the good stuff with drivel about her everyday life then drew a loose connection with the lesson she wanted to present. The effect seemed to suggest she didn't feel like she had the authority to speak to women without the buy-in of proving she's an ordinary relatable girl.
I skimmed the first few pages of each chapter until I got to the real content. Glad it was a library book and didn't purchase it.
June 20, 2021
What I love about Lysa's books is that they are always simple, easy to relate to, and totally powerful in making small changes to transform your walk with Christ. The timing of reading this book couldn't have been more perfect, because it had a lot of truths I needed to hear and be reminded of. I can never recommend Lysa's books enough!
September 6, 2024
This is the one 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
A must read for all Christian women.
So so good.
Thank you Lord for all the convictions and corrections you made in me through reading this book.
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!
A must read for all Christian women.
So so good.
Thank you Lord for all the convictions and corrections you made in me through reading this book.
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!
June 7, 2024
An excellent study, with so many good points that my accompanying study workbook is one dogeared page after another. Beautiful lessons on how to draw nearer to Jesus rather than just know more about Jesus. In your heart, thoughts, relationships, purpose… Well worth the 15-30 minutes a day. ❤️
July 4, 2024
Pretty good, although a bit iffy in a couple spots as far as theology goes, sounding a little mystic in her treatment of God's communication with her, but I don't think it was intended the way it seemed. All in all, I found it to be helpful and would read again.
February 17, 2015
When I first saw this book, I thought it was going to be about getting more from one’s Bible study. Though Lysa does discuss that in a couple of chapters, the overall purpose of the book is to move Bible study from our to-do list and just acquiring knowledge, to living out what God is teaching us, to enjoy a deeper connection with God.
Lysa says in the first chapter:
The rest of the book fleshes out that purpose, discussing being “good enough” (and how we aren’t except through Christ), not feeling like we measure up, our relationships, our thoughts, our ministries, when our “ugly comes out,” when we’re hurt or offended by God.
I particularly liked the chapters “Beyond Sunday Morning,” where she talks about looking at a verse phrase by phrase to discern its meaning, and “Unlikely Lessons From a Pineapple,” a great chapter talking about drawing lessons from the lives of people in the Bible, even familiar ones that we might feel we’ve known all there is to know since we were children.
I was especially blessed by a chapter where she talks about waiting for God’s timing in our calling and serving Him in the mundane, everyday tasks He has placed before us until then, realizing that they are our ministry unto Him, not a hindrance or interruption of our ministry.
I appreciated Lysa’s personal experiences, transparency, and sense of humor throughout the book, but most of all I appreciated her high view of Scripture that was not an end in itself but a means of knowing and experiencing God.
There were just 2-3 minor places where I disagreed with her interpretation or application just a smidgen, but they’re not big enough to go into. I would just mention one place where, in communion with God, things were flooding her mind that she felt were from the Lord, she says, “Bits and pieces of Scripture were woven throughout, and it made me smile. It confirmed that this was, in fact, God speaking” (p. 197-198). Satan uses Scripture, too (Matthew 4), and just because thoughts come to our minds that contain Scripture doesn’t mean they are automatically from the Lord. A lot of cults have been founded on bits of Scripture wrongly interpreted and taken out of context. I’m not trying to diminish the experience she was telling about, and I feel sure she’d agree with what I am saying, but just the way it was phrased could, I thought, be confusing to some readers who might think that if a thought contained Scripture, that meant it was confirmation from the Lord.
Overall I thought this was a wonderful book that fulfilled its purpose to encourage women to go beyond checking the boxes in their Christian lives to deepening their relationship with God.
Lysa says in the first chapter:
I want my life with Jesus to be fulfilling. I want my beliefs to work no matter what life throws at me. I want to be so certain of God’s presence that I never feel like I have to face anything in my own strength or rely on my own perspectives. My strength will weaken during hard times. My perspectives get skewed by my emotions.
I want total security no matter what happens. In other words, I want my relationship with Jesus to be enough to keep me sane and together and still fully devoted. Is this possible? True fulfillment no matter what?
Fulfillment means to be completely satisfied. How might our lives look if we were so filled with God’s truths we could let go of the pain of our past, not get tripped up by the troubles of today, or consumed by worries about tomorrow?…Just going through the motions [of prayer, Bible study, etc.] will not in and of themselves fill our souls. They must be done with the great expectation and heart cry for God to lead us into a deeper and more life-changing connection with Him (p. 25).
The rest of the book fleshes out that purpose, discussing being “good enough” (and how we aren’t except through Christ), not feeling like we measure up, our relationships, our thoughts, our ministries, when our “ugly comes out,” when we’re hurt or offended by God.
I particularly liked the chapters “Beyond Sunday Morning,” where she talks about looking at a verse phrase by phrase to discern its meaning, and “Unlikely Lessons From a Pineapple,” a great chapter talking about drawing lessons from the lives of people in the Bible, even familiar ones that we might feel we’ve known all there is to know since we were children.
I was especially blessed by a chapter where she talks about waiting for God’s timing in our calling and serving Him in the mundane, everyday tasks He has placed before us until then, realizing that they are our ministry unto Him, not a hindrance or interruption of our ministry.
I appreciated Lysa’s personal experiences, transparency, and sense of humor throughout the book, but most of all I appreciated her high view of Scripture that was not an end in itself but a means of knowing and experiencing God.
There were just 2-3 minor places where I disagreed with her interpretation or application just a smidgen, but they’re not big enough to go into. I would just mention one place where, in communion with God, things were flooding her mind that she felt were from the Lord, she says, “Bits and pieces of Scripture were woven throughout, and it made me smile. It confirmed that this was, in fact, God speaking” (p. 197-198). Satan uses Scripture, too (Matthew 4), and just because thoughts come to our minds that contain Scripture doesn’t mean they are automatically from the Lord. A lot of cults have been founded on bits of Scripture wrongly interpreted and taken out of context. I’m not trying to diminish the experience she was telling about, and I feel sure she’d agree with what I am saying, but just the way it was phrased could, I thought, be confusing to some readers who might think that if a thought contained Scripture, that meant it was confirmation from the Lord.
Overall I thought this was a wonderful book that fulfilled its purpose to encourage women to go beyond checking the boxes in their Christian lives to deepening their relationship with God.
May 17, 2015
I would give this five stars! I have loved both of Lysa’s books, but this one really struck home for me. As a result of reading this book, I have committed to getting up ten minutes early each day to read my Bible and pray. I may eventually increase that time, but for now I want to get into a good habit. Each day for the last week, I have gotten up and enjoyed the quiet of my house. I write down the chapter I read plus one verse that really stuck out to me. I write down who and what I prayed for. I am also logging the number of minutes that I am praying for a challenge that we are doing as a church.
Here are some quotes and ideas from the book that I really liked:
“The reality is no person, possession, profession, or position ever fills the cup of a wounded, empty heart- not my heart, nor your heart.” pg 30
“I’ve have thousands of these everyday life minutes, but today is different. I rememebered to pause. To acknowledge what I’ve been blessed with.” pg 36
“I separate my shortcomings from my identify and let Jesus be the only measure of my worth. Separating the circumstance from my identify allows me to see the circumstance for what it is- a mistake.” pg 42
Lysa tells us in order to grow spiritually, we have to gain spiritual knowledge and experience God. She recommends praying for wisdom, reading a Bible passage for context, and reading/ writing down a verse to gain depth in your learning from that passage.
Lysa explains that it is important to spend time with God each day to be prepared for the coming day. She indicates that our study time will often provide the verse that will give instructions or peace for handling a situation that happens later in the day. “If my heart has been prepared to receive God’s most perfect help, I am able to receive it right when I need it and I’m much more likely to apply it immediately.” pg 64
“A friend who guards her words is a gift.” pg 106 “We’ve developed a practice in our family of asking ourselves three questions before speaking: “Are my words kind? Are they true? Are they necessary?” pg 110
“Praise pulls back the dark curtains and breathes fresh life into a weak and weary soul.” pg 125
“Thanksgiving is the secret to attitude adjustment” pg 135
“When I process life through God’s truth, I am divinely comforted by His love and made confident in His calling on my life…….. God is close, and if I chooses to be close back, He’ll rearrange my feelings.” pg 155
“It has been God’s plan from the very beginning to reveal Himself, His activity, and the reality of His presence to us in everyday ways.” pg 180
Here are some quotes and ideas from the book that I really liked:
“The reality is no person, possession, profession, or position ever fills the cup of a wounded, empty heart- not my heart, nor your heart.” pg 30
“I’ve have thousands of these everyday life minutes, but today is different. I rememebered to pause. To acknowledge what I’ve been blessed with.” pg 36
“I separate my shortcomings from my identify and let Jesus be the only measure of my worth. Separating the circumstance from my identify allows me to see the circumstance for what it is- a mistake.” pg 42
Lysa tells us in order to grow spiritually, we have to gain spiritual knowledge and experience God. She recommends praying for wisdom, reading a Bible passage for context, and reading/ writing down a verse to gain depth in your learning from that passage.
Lysa explains that it is important to spend time with God each day to be prepared for the coming day. She indicates that our study time will often provide the verse that will give instructions or peace for handling a situation that happens later in the day. “If my heart has been prepared to receive God’s most perfect help, I am able to receive it right when I need it and I’m much more likely to apply it immediately.” pg 64
“A friend who guards her words is a gift.” pg 106 “We’ve developed a practice in our family of asking ourselves three questions before speaking: “Are my words kind? Are they true? Are they necessary?” pg 110
“Praise pulls back the dark curtains and breathes fresh life into a weak and weary soul.” pg 125
“Thanksgiving is the secret to attitude adjustment” pg 135
“When I process life through God’s truth, I am divinely comforted by His love and made confident in His calling on my life…….. God is close, and if I chooses to be close back, He’ll rearrange my feelings.” pg 155
“It has been God’s plan from the very beginning to reveal Himself, His activity, and the reality of His presence to us in everyday ways.” pg 180
January 23, 2016
I preferred the Unglued book and study that Lysa Terkeurst wrote in that it was more entertaining and the stories funnier. But important issues are not always entertaining and this women's Bible study had good concepts in it, too. I suppose that the floating mattress was funny. I think this book would be particularly appropriate for new Christians wondering how to apply what they read to their lives. Well, that can be challenging for all of us, at times. I told my kids her story about how she became a Christian. I liked her "unlikely lessons from a pineapple," in which she explains that reading the Bible isn't as hard as people fear, or as hard as we sometimes make it. All of her "Walk with God" section was good, and I liked the way she ended the book, with the romance of loving Jesus. The sections "When God Hurts My Feelings," and "What Do I Do When I Don't Feel God?" can be important, too. I also liked the discussion on 2 Cor. 4:17-18 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
January 23, 2016
I preferred the Unglued book and study that Lysa Terkeurst wrote in that it was more entertaining and the stories funnier. But important issues are not always entertaining and this women's Bible study had good concepts in it, too. I suppose that the floating mattress was funny. I think this book would be particularly appropriate for new Christians wondering how to apply what they read to their lives. Well, that can be challenging for all of us, at times. I told my kids her story about how she became a Christian. I liked her "unlikely lessons from a pineapple," in which she explains that reading the Bible isn't as hard as people fear, or as hard as we sometimes make it. All of her "Walk with God" section was good, and I liked the way she ended the book, with the romance of loving Jesus. The sections "When God Hurts My Feelings," and "What Do I Do When I Don't Feel God?" can be important, too. I also liked the discussion on 2 Cor. 4:17-18 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"
April 10, 2016
This was really great to read. THere are some simple ideas. I would definitely recommend it to anyone hoping to live life more than just inside certain "rules" of their every day life. She shares some of her growing up and recent experiences of how God has changed her view on aspects of her life. Big theme in it, I feel like, is don't put limitations/ "put God in a box." Pray crazy prayers. Unplug every so often from the electronics. Take your time to be present with God. Be intentional and set the time, like you've made an appointment with a client or whatever. The thing is you don't have to make an appointment w/ God. He just loves when you want to be & do sit & listen to/ pray to/ talk to Him.
I did do the companion Study book with this, and I was able to go to most of the meetings. It opened my eyes to think about some things I normally would not see as being better for God. I'm a fan of this book.
I did do the companion Study book with this, and I was able to go to most of the meetings. It opened my eyes to think about some things I normally would not see as being better for God. I'm a fan of this book.
July 31, 2012
First, I have to explain why it took me so long to read this book. We used it in by Bible study class, but about halfway through, we had to put it aside because our pastor was coming to teach from a different book. I really wanted to finish it, but decided to wait for the class. Finally, we're finishing it this week. I really liked this book! She's so down-to-earth, funny, and practical with her lessons. She makes numerous points that can really be taken to heart. The study guide that goes with the book is very thought-provoking as well. I will definitely be interested in her other books!
July 20, 2013
Read this book in conjunction with her video series and the accompanying workbook, with a small group of women gathered weekly. TerKeurst offers examples of her walk of faith through day to day challenges in a down to earth, easy to relate to style. I found her suggestions refreshing and applicable. Certainly can be read without the workbook but I thought the workbook made me think a little more and a little harder about what I learned in the book. The video series was cute but not essential. It did offer a reason for a few of us to gather with coffee and fruit once a week, which was wonderful.
September 5, 2014
I am not sure I can do this book justice with my review but I will try. Well, let me start by saying that I felt doors opening in my heart and mind as I read Lysa's words. I found myself turning more and more to the Bible and gaining a better understanding of verses that I once found confusing.
The results of reading this book are many and they are all good. I feel like I've been given a gift - a huge spiritual gift that makes me long for a more intense relationship with God. This book has uplifted my spirits and sparked a renewed interest in seeking more knowledge, peace, joy, understanding, and contentment in this journey we call life.
The results of reading this book are many and they are all good. I feel like I've been given a gift - a huge spiritual gift that makes me long for a more intense relationship with God. This book has uplifted my spirits and sparked a renewed interest in seeking more knowledge, peace, joy, understanding, and contentment in this journey we call life.
May 9, 2017
Considering I'd really rather read fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I did a ladies bible study with my church this spring and this was the book that was chosen. Each chapter is easy to read and laid out in a way that is straight forward. Lysa presents bible revelation in a way that is easy to understand and not so "spiritual" it goes over your head. It doesn't matter if you are a new believer or been walking with the Lord years, this book has something for all if us. I plan on buying this book, along with the workbook, as gifts this year for various friend's birthdays. I enjoyed it that much.
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