Kathy Howard

Title: Lavish Grace (Poured Out, Poured Through, and Overflowing)
Author: Kathy Howard
Pages: 176
Year: 2016
Publisher: New Hope
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Lavish Grace is a Bible Study for women birthed from the author’s life experience that showed her self-dependency was nothing and how much she needed God’s grace to even draw her next breath. Kathy Howard takes women into the subject of grace drawn from Paul’s various letters. She shares how not only Paul was affected, but others as well along with current experiences of people who come in contact with God’s grace.
Then, the author helps the women studying to look into their own lives and hearts to see how God wants to make Himself and His grace more real in their lives. Each study begins with a short introduction via a story followed by a section called “Learning It” where we then delve into the Word of God. Afterward, students then interact with a section called “Teaching It”, which delves even deeper into the bible passages mixed with author’s own personal learning experiences. Next comes a section titled “Living It” where the author is so transparent in sharing her life learning experiences along with application questions. The lesson then ends with “Grace Applied” where we read how others learned to draw upon the grace of God or are learning as well. Following this are a few questions that help students take what God has shown them through the study and live it out from that moment on.
I found this to be a deeper study than I first thought and I find that very refreshing. It isn’t a quick in and out type of study, but one that encourages followers of Christ to dwell in the Word, be transformed by the Word in order to be living examples of the Word. Whether done for personal study or in a small group, I believe that many women will be encouraged and renewed to live for Christ. Personally, I look forward to other studies such as this from either this author or others in the coming days!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”… (més)

If only I could fully accept the grace that got gives me, I could be free from so many things. How many of us have whispered those words allowed? With this book, I have had the privilege to not only study about grace but to be taken into a deeper understanding of grace. I love the way this book is set up. It is easy to read and really has helped me.

The book is a nine week study where we follow Paul as he experiences and teaches on grace. I sat down in my quiet place and began a journey that has not been completed yet. I wanted to rush through it, but I knew I would miss what God wanted me to absorb. It is funny how I have always thought, why does that person always seem to get a pass on things they are doing wrong? Ok so I found myself being judgmental and oh so jealous of others. I can have that same grace if only I would open my heart to receive it. I love the depth the study goes into and especially like the activities at the end of each chapter .

Oh how I loved this passage in the book, "The Heavenly Father draws us to the Cross of Christ because there-and only there-can His grace be applied. " To be at the foot of the cross and experience the true grace poured upon me is something I desire and want to fully understand. Can you see The Heavenly Father as He reaches down to say, " My child I have loved you always. Your sins are forgiven and my grace surrounds you? Yes that's the kind of relationship I want to have with God. The authors illustrations throughout the book are very eye opening and really gives readers a clearer understanding of how much He loves us.

I continue to grow spiritually everyday and this study has really helped me in my walk. I have always thought of myself as unloved and not worthy of His grace and mercy. I can see now how my thinking has held me back from so many opportunities to share his word. I have received His grace many times, but didn't really acknowledge it. How many times have we had the chance to give grave to someone, but instead was to prideful? In our everyday walk, we encounter people who may not drive fast enough for us, are slow to move down an aisle at the grocery store or talk so much you want to pull your hair out. Wouldn't it be nice if we took the time to say hi to that person who walked slower than we did? What if we sat and listened to that person and gave our undivided attention to them?"

I'm thankful that I was able to read this very powerful book. It has opened my eyes to areas in my life I need to work on. I will continue my journey with this book knowing that His grace is enough.

"Our Gracious God never wastes a trial He permits to enter our lives. If we cooperate, He will use every difficulty , heartache , and hardship for our good and His glory."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.… (més)

I read Fed up with Flat Faith by Kathy Howard, in exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was published by Wharton Press. The book discussed dead, flat spirituality, instead of a passion for a relationship with God. People need to turn to God first with problems, concerns, everything, instead of turning to others or self. Turning to anything but God can lead to disappointment and frustration

The book also provides examples of women, living in Bible times, who lacked faith. For example, Sarah laughed at God, when he said she would be a mother. Martha focused on serving God, instead of being near him. The book also discusses symptoms of flat faith and how to revive the spark in your life. Prayer works wonders.

Other highlights from the book:

1. flat faith hinders our purpose in life
2. we dont have to settle for flat faith

I highly recommend this book. I loved reading the book.… (més)