Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman

by Anne Ortlund

She seeks to answer both the "hows" and the "whys" of living beautifully.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Womens, Christian Non Fiction, Self Help, Faith

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Vicki Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt, conversationally written book on a christian woman's responsibilities. A tad outdated but it's purpose spans a lifetime. Instructing you in your walk with God she gives examples of how we can accomplish more quiet time with Him. We are to support and encourage our husbands and lovingly disciple our children. She includes being well-dressed for our Savior, husband and self and keeping a notebook to keep your days from taking over your life. A very thought-provoking book that makes you pay more attention to detail on the seemingly minor things in life that are the basis for the major things, such as God and family. A definite keeper for the christian woman to refer back to in times of reflection.

[Mary A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a local thrift store. While some of the particular advice in this book made me laugh because they seem like relics from the 70s (example: a list of things to do to be productive included napping on an "incline board" and getting your hair and nails done once a week), it became clear that in many ways Anne Ortlund is a much more godlier woman than I am and that it would behoove me to take her advice in the spirit in which it was intended! Her heart for discipleship is amazing and I would feel blessed to accomplish a 10th of what she did-- not to mention a life spent loving 3 generations of well-known Christians. For these reasons, I will be keeping this book on my shelf.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star rating.

Oh I just ADORED this little book! I loved the author's quirky and charming way of writing. It felt very much like she was chatting with me over a cup of tea - so warm hearted and motherly or older-sisterly :). Her style reminds me somewhat of Elizabeth George (A Woman After God's Own Heart).

I would have loved to have discovered this book earlier on in my Christian walk... I could have used a Titus 2 type of mentor/sister such as this author.

I had never heard of Anne Ortlund until reading this book - but in doing a bit of research on her - it seems as though she was adored by many and she was a mentor to many as well. Her marriage to her husband sounds like it was a real fairy-tale romance as well.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if this was meant to be a fun book, but it was that for me - inspiring, convicting, thought-provoking, but also simply a pleasure to read. Part of the fun was that the little details about daily life, so dear to women of all ages, that Anne throws in, are now around fifty years old. Mentions of nylons, hair rollers, street length dresses, etc. might have made the book feel a little dated by the nineties, but by 2022, I am charmed by this very different world, and also delighted to find that the basic call of the Christian life is coming to me in a fresh way through it. Get close to God in the Word and prayer. Of course I've heard that, but Anne's practical zeal for these things, with evangelism, discipleship, graciousness in public, and faithfulness in marriage flowing from them, are utterly contagious. I have a godly older woman between these faded paperback covers, and I love knowing she's on my shelf.

[Vicki B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed my life 25+ years ago. Esp. the notebook ideas. Pre-Daytimer--Mrs. Ortlund was waaay ahead of her time! I love the beautiful picture of a helper to your husband, as well as personal development.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

old fashioned.
interesting but i don't agree with all of it.

[Karin Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure of a book for Christian women. Great biblical perspective. Easy to read and encouraging.

[Rachel Quezada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading a book for Christian women written in 1977 was a bizarre experience. My grandmother recommended this one as “the most important book I’ve ever read” —thinking that was high praise, being familiar with Dane Ortlund, and wanting to know my grandmother better, I hunted it down. I was certainly expecting it to basically follow the “how to live like Jesus” model—or perhaps be based out of Prov. 31–but it turned out to be more of a “helpful tips and tricks to live like Anne Ortlund, a rich, popular (and devout!) Christian woman.” I kept reading because the cultural insights became the most fascinating thing to me—THIS is what my grandmothers generation found most important? Tips on Bible reading and prayer (not before you’re decent though—the Almighty doesn’t want to see you in your curlers any more than anyone else), yes, but also house management and scheduling, wardrobe, frugal housekeeping, goal setting, and marital bliss (all reasonable topics for a book—the tone was wild at times) disguised as THE biblical disciplines for women. Very insightful and engaging, pretty out of touch.

On the plus side…I believe her love for Jesus and his ways is clear. She is clearly trying to help and advise women in a “between women,” conversational way—so the tone is somewhat quirky by intention…she also has a lot of really helpful tips. It’s not a book I feel I could recommend, but I enjoyed almost all of it—sometimes laughingly, oftentimes sincerely appreciating.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happened upon this book in a Salvation Army and am glad I did! There is an undeniable miracle about the Ortlunds that I love and admire, and reading more from Anne here was a pleasure. While the book has a lot of 1970s California culture in the specifics, the underlying principles are so helpful. I came away from this buying a planner (ha!), with a clearer sense of commitments, inspired to be less lazy and more industrious, and with a buoyed cheerfulness from the process. It's a very easy, light read, full of practical advice, and you can take what you like.

[EA Kellogg]

it didn’t feel fair to give this book a star rating, considering this book was published in the 70s. i think there’s helpful principles that anne talks about, but at times i felt at odds with some practical suggestions she gave concerning outward appearances. this book feels applicable to a very small audience unfortunately. overall, it’s clear that anne is passionate about women living for Christ & using every part of their life to exalt Him!

[Nour · Rating 5 out of 5]

The glimpses into Anne Ortlund’s life as a godly woman that are provided in this book are a picture of the mentorship relationship I was craving through out college. Though some of the advice was a little bit dated I feel incredibly encouraged and am excited to implement many of her disciplines into my own life.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I've read several times. This time I am actually creating my own notebook as Anne Ortlund suggests, and I am PUMPED about it! Call me a nerd, but I love organization---and using a notebook to reorganize my life with 2 young children is something that is super appealing to me right now. The book was written quite a while ago, (maybe in the 70s?) so some of it sounds a bit outdated, but the principals, suggestions and the fact that it is based on God's Word makes it timeless.

[Betsy Gant · Rating 1 out of 5]

Anne Ortlund's arrogance permeates this book. I couldn't get past her pride and sickening piety. The only takeaways I found were: 1) pray through your planner, 2) be kindest and reflect beautiful to your family first, 3) and spend one day of the month away in prayer. Go read Elisabeth Elliot or Elizabeth George for real wisdom about spiritual growth.

[Kristen Peirce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the writing style feels a bit dated, the themes covered are still absolutely relevant today. The heart that Anne Ortlund has for her readers comes through the pages as if we were sitting across from each other, chatting at a coffee shop. I fully enjoyed this book, and there are many things that she talked about that I will begin doing in my own life.

[Hayley Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really enjoy her reference to “cream puff gospel”. Such a true comparison to what we think are Christian walk should be.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book, but it comes with a big, old asterisk. Anne Ortlund is Dane Ortlund’s (Gentle and Lowly) grandmother. It was written in the 70’s. You have to weed through metaphors, action points, and language that are no longer relevant. If you are willing to dig a little, this book is gold.

It stepped on my toes in the best way. As I was reading, I thought “You can’t say that!” or “Well, that was true THEN.” But I slowly realized that most of the time that I could apply most of the principals to my modern life. My toes needed a little stepping on.

This is like having tea with a grandma who loved you too much to sweep things under the rug. It’s like having the wisdom of a mentor with the wit of an older friend.

Do I need to put on my face before talking to the Lord, take naps on an incline board, and get my hair and nails done once a week? No!

But I can think more about how my physical body and appearance affect my ability to present the Gospel.

Do I have to run myself ragged “shaking hands and kissing babies” even though I’m a super introvert? No!

God designed me with a purpose. I am not a mistake. God didn’t make me to pretend to be Anne Ortlund, but I can place a higher priority on making disciples. I can invite people into my (small) circle, pray diligently for them, and have intentional conversations.

I can let Jesus take priority over my schedule. I can stretch myself for the sake of the Gospel. I can embrace rest. I can pare down what I own. I can make time with God a priority by planning for it and planning around it.

Long before they were “a thing”, she talks about Marie Kondo-style simplifying, a capsule wardrobe, prayer journaling, Sabbath rest, and radical community.

Sure, her language is quirky and her examples are outdated, but she did all this before Pinterest and social media “experts” told her how to run her life. She did it without a $75 planner. She shares practical tips for bringing your life and home under the control of Jesus. I’m better for having read it.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is spectacular. It is not about physical beauty, but rather beauty in the eyes of God, i.e., the Proberbs 31 woman. Short and sweet, but I'm taking the opportunity to read it a second time with a discussion group. The advice in this book is not outdated, despite it being written in the 70s. Sure, we live in a different culture and society now, but every single thing Anne talks about can be applied or modified to fit the life of a modern Christian woman.

I can't say enough about this book. Her advice, her sisterly and caring tone, the way she inserts scripture and commentary about it, all highly encouraging and inspiring. A personal highlight from this book is the advice about staying organized and streamlined, through use of a customized notebook. I am ordering a 3-ring notebook ASAP to put calendar pages, to-dos, written prayers, and more. Anne also recommends creating a physical filing system for Bible studies, organized by Bible book and/or topic to be kept in a desk filing cabinet. In an age of technology, it was refreshing to read of someone who lived in the time of analog and tangible, and to see how it can benefit my family to go back to paper.

This is a book I am not getting rid of. I ordered a super old, cheap, tattered copy that I decided to tape together, so I don't feel bad about writing in it and highlighting. I would order better copies to give away to other sisters in Christ. It is that good.

Lastly, one of my favorite things about this book is that Anne takes the time to share the message of the gospel in the first chapter. I rarely see that in faith-centric discussions, whether written, recorded, or in person. It is a message we cannot hear enough, and is shared surprisingly seldom, despite every one of us being called to be fishers of men.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book when it was given to me in the late ‘80s (!!). I was a newly married Christian and not exactly the stereotype of the Christian wife. But there were many good tidbits in the book, and I see, in my re-read (finding it in a deep bookshelf cleared because of remodeling) that it was first read during my “highlighting of books” phase.

Reading now, in 2024, it does seem dated to a degree but in other ways it reflects what is missing is some of the popular contemporary Christian books offered today.

Ortlund is all about biblical perspective. Reshaping your life in to Three priorities – God First, Church Body Second, The Needy World Third. Start with the first, and your effectiveness in the others will follow.

Also, with only a small chapter devoted to a Christian woman’s looks, she used her measure from Proverbs 31 where only one verse out of 22 describes looks and stated this should be addressed as only 1/22 of our time should be focused on appearance.

Also loved the “Eliminate and Concentrate” idea Ortlund uses for everything from your closet to commitments and it brought a chuckle as I’ve been saying that for years and forgotten where it came from.

Dated? Not in the ways to look to God and be disciplined to walk well with Him.

[Walumbike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankly, when I picked this book up from the pile of books along the streets of Blantyre, I thought, "Hey, look! A book about me!"
This was in partial jest but also was an attempt at making a confession that God has been trying to build in me FOREVER! "Why can't I be the beautiful woman?" I thought.
Yes indeed – a book about me. Or better yet, the BEST version of me!
Minister Anne took me on a beautiful ride. I felt like I got to speak to her, to see inside the heart of a great woman of God. Soo thankful for all I have learned! I look forward to reading and re-reading this!
Thank you, thank you dearly for one of my new favourite books. Ever, ever!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5 stars. This book IS my mom. She bought it for me from a thrift store saying it greatly impacted her journey as a woman of God. What an experience reading it and better understanding the influence behind so much that's familiar about my mom. A lot of the examples throughout the book are very dated and many things said are not "PC." The author does present practical advice and personal examples for godly living. It's challenging to decide if she comes across as "matter of fact" sincere or as piously self righteous? I hope sincere...

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It discusses beauty both inside and out but its wisdom goes so far beyond that and it's just great and timeless advice for Christian women about how to put God first in their life no matter where they find themselves. The author writes in a funny, down to earth way, but very warm like she is your friend and sitting right there with you. I know I will come back to it for sure!

[Samantha Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book from a blogger that I follow. It seemed like a quick easy read that I could tackle in a long weekend.

The woman who's wrote this would have been a contemporary of my Grandma and the advice reminded me of many things my Grandma would say.

For the sentimental reasons I have it 4 stars.

While I didn't agree with everything she said, her advice was still sound and can easily be updated to modern times.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a lovely conversation with a wise mentor. Despite sounding a little outdated at times, I’ll echo the other reviewers to say that the heart of this book is genuine and timeless. She teaches how to develop self-discipline so that small things like your daily schedule to large pursuits like life goals work together to glorify Christ, minister to others, and help you grow personally with the Lord. I’ll be rereading this in the future for sure.

[Gregsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very down to earth, practical approach for being a woman of God. Although some of the examples in the book are a little dated (it was first published in the 70s) the truths behind them remain. I really appreciated how Ortland showed how to live out practically each of the disciplines. This is less of a devotional book and more of a how to apply it to your own life book.

[Chloe Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was basically a self-help book, with some godly principles. It's relevant to modern Western women but not women as a whole. It was decent, but it wasn't particularly biblical, and I disagreed with her interpretations of some verses taken out of context. My biggest issue was her focus on outward beauty, which is not backed up by Scripture.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very refreshing to read. It makes you feel like you're just talking to a friend across the table with some coffee and fresh cake. It's so wise and set apart from everything you ear today that it's almost refreshing, very sober minded. It ministered to my heart in ways I wasn't expecting. Definitely will read it again!

[Denise Derge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Ortland teaches us how to make and keep a planner before someone "invented" them and I know I felt it helpful. She is a Christian and it had sections for Bible study and prayer, among other household and family needs. A very influential book for me.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was helpful to me when I read it but I think young women today would prefer something more contemporary such as Barbara Hughes book published in 2016 (same or very similar title)

[Sarah Hartfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read this, I get more out of it. This is one of my favorite books.

[Emily Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Really inspired me in my marriage and home making life. My husband noticed a change as well.