Lysa TerKeurst

This book was a little unfocused. It seemed to touch on every topic and yet not really say anything. To sum it up, "God loves you, so you should live your life feeling loved. If you don't feel loved, that's a problem. The solution? Know that God loves you." Which isn't wrong - it's just incredibly simplistic and not overly helpful.

TerKeurst also took a few verses out of context and read into Bible stories a bit more than I believe is wise. There were a few good nuggets, but nothing that I haven't seen elsewhere, so I wouldn't recommend slogging through this book to find them.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.… (més)

I've decided to read this book because my youngest daughter read it and gave it a 5-STAR. And yes, I could stand to lose some pounds too. The author expresses herself, and how most girls and women in general, feel about themselves, in a hilarious and very relatable way.

This is not just another diet book. It is about your “journey” to get closer to Jesus, and to prove you do love and trust Him. You start off being honest with yourself: What is the ONE thing you crave more than Jesus that you feel you can't, or won't, give up? What is the ONE thing you arrange your life, or your thoughts, around? (Matthew 19:21) It isn't always necessarily about food either, although that is what this book is about: 1) Recognizing your cravings, 2) lusting after what you see with your eyes, and 3) boasting about what you have or do. 1 John 2:15-16 reminds us that these three things are NOT of God. When you do say no to certain foods or anything else you find yourself idolizing, you tell yourself, and you show God, that you are relying on Him and His Truths.

After reading this, I realize I may have more than one thing to work on. I need to change my mindset to believing that this is NOT about dieting (simply saying yes or no), or about my feelings of insignificance, but this is about my "journey with Jesus...in learning self-discipline for the purpose of holiness" (p. 158).

So, if your desire is to get close to Jesus and be the holiest person you can be, then this book should encourage you to start saying no to some things. If not, then you'll need to find another book or another path to follow.… (més)

My first audio book and it’s a whopping 5-star! I listened to this book an hour a pop while working out on the ARC Trainer. I could not have completed each hour segment without this to occupy my mind. I do feel like this would have been better had I owned and read the book. I'm a highlighter and a writer-all-in-the-book-kind-of-fool. I had to listen to several chapters a couple times, the second time taking notes. Also, it would have been better had Lysa TerKeurst read the book herself. I had to somehow get over the disconnect between someone else placing herself in Lysa's place.

I know that at one point we all have felt uninvited, rejected, or lonely, so, I’m not claiming these feelings as my very own. But, being left out and rejected is nothing new to me. I have felt it all my life, since around age 6. The author can sure relate too, having felt rejection from her father who walked out on her when she was around 4 years old. It’s almost comical how closely our thought processes are aligned. She covers it all from feeling anxiety and loneliness in a crowd, the breakup of a good friendship, when one’s extreme reactions don’t quite match the situation, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, how the social media plays a role in helping you to feel rejected. I’ve experienced them all. But, mainly, she shows you how to handle it in a down-to-earth process, standing on God’s words. The past must be left in the past. She shows you how to move forward and view things differently without bringing all that baggage along and growing your rejected feelings.

Since I have a hardest time with communication, I thought the following was the perfect guideline to settling disagreements of opinions or consoling a person whose feelings have been hurt: Start with “me too”...no, not the silly pink hat movement...lol. Let them know you’d feel, or have felt the same way. They need to feel some kind of connection to you. Next, acknowledge their feelings, which are very real…even if wrong. This is what we call "empathy". Then try to explain your issue, or a more Godly way of handling their situation. Never start with “You should…” Don’t make your point and not acknowledge theirs. Don’t act like the expert and treat others like the student. And, for God’s sake, never up one their hurt!!! Everyone needs to feel like they belong, if not, then they will feel very sensitive to all forms of rejection. Watch for this in others and help them to feel included, important, invited, and yes, like they belong.… (més)