Think, Grow

September 1, 2010 | Books,She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

Mary Beth Chapman writes an honest story of losing her 5-year-old daughter in a tragic accident. But it’s not just about her loss, but what she has gained over a 25-year journey of loving God, and loving musical artist Stephen Curtis Chapman.

A self-described shy girl married to an introvert, she shows how her journey turned out much different than she expected.

What I gained most from this book was that it felt like I was sitting down with a woman who was dropping the veil of a public personna to be real about her questions, fears, highs and lows, and yet also her unbending faith in God.

If you’ve experienced a tragedy. . . If you feel like God is taking you down a different path than you thought you’d be on at this time… If you want to be honest with God, and yet know that He has you in the palm of His hand every step of the way… this is a great book for you.

Think, read, grow!

July 30, 2010 | Nurturing Family,She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

Forgotten God by Francis Chan is a tough read, but with a good reason. If we strip away the power of God and function on church only, it’s not enough. It can’t be, can it?

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She Thinks

July 22, 2010 | Books,Living Free,She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

If Jesus came to give us abundant life, why are we so bored or disenchanted with faith?

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Think

June 24, 2010 | Books,She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

One of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian is hearing another Christian speak with great authority…. and yet failing to connect with the person standing in front of them. (more…)

Think: Pagan Christianity

June 10, 2010 | Books,Knowing Christ,She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

I first heard the term pagan Christianity at the Book Expo in Dallas, TX. Mary DeMuth, Donald Miller, and several other authors and speakers were talking about faith in today’s world.

When Donald Miller began to talk about pagan Christianity, I was intruiged. I wanted to know more. (more…)

Think and Grow: Life Unhindered

April 23, 2010 | She Reads, She Thinks, She Grows

Living free is the heart of my message and the heart of who I am, so when I find a resource that helps people discover freedom I can’t wait to share it with others. Jennifer Kennedy Dean is a friend, a Bible study teacher, and a woman of courage.

In her new book, Life Unhindered, she says: “Every fiber of our being cries out for freedom. When it’s denied, we seek, long for, and dream of it. The ingrained desire to be free is shared by all men and women, all cultures, all ages, allnations.

What we often forget is that freedom is Christ’s goal for our lives as well. The true, full freedom found only in Him.”

I love her definition of freedom: People who are free in Christ will be free to reach out to the world around them with God’s love. Certain of their own position and provision they are free to live poured-out lives.

Isn’t that a beautiful definition?

It’s what holds me fast in place when I watch a once-addict worship God as they sit with others still addicted and share hope.

It’s what fascinates me when I listen to a once-proud religious man or woman weep in humility as they see the needs around them.

It’s why I call myself a believer: because to me faith is transformation. You can’t encounter Christ on a personal level and come away unchanged. It’s a process. It unfolds.

But to live unhindered is a worthy hope. Jennifer goes on to say: Freedom is Christ’s goal for your life, so your spiritual enemy has targeted your freedom.

When we understand that, it makes sense to move away from feelings to truth. This book is a thinking book, a help-you-grow book, diving deep into Scripture and real life.

I love it. I think you will, too.

Suzie