I've been reading...

God's Leading Lady | by T.D. Jakes

Well, it has been way too long since I have written a blog post. These past couple of months have been insanely busy. But, I have still been doing my best to make time to read. This is a recent book that I have read... I just love T.D. Jakes' writing style... so, I thought I would give you my thoughts on the book. :)

I would say that the first 2/3 of the book deals with a lot of life-controlling issues that many ladies face- from relationships to abuse to loss, etc. I was unable to relate to many of the issues discussed, but I know people in my life who could relate... and I'm sure that you do as well. It's healthy to be aware of these things to be able to impart wisdom to others, even if it does not directly apply to you. These are the issues that many times keep ladies in the shadows and out of the potential that God has placed within them.

The parallel was made between a leading lady in a play or performance and being a leading lady in your life... hence, "out of the shadows and into the light." The 3rd part of the book began talking about dreaming impossible dreams as you move past your life that has been holding you back. T.D. Jakes used examples of leading ladies in the Bible... instances where God did the impossible... as well as being a good steward of God-given dreams. In the last portion of the book, he wrote a lot about not only being a leading lady for your own life but rather for the purpose of leaving a legacy that would be significant for those following you.

Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me.

"Sometimes His promise for us is so much more, so much bigger, than we could ever imagine. To limit ourselves to the aspirations of human musings is to obstruct the limitless potential that our Creator has instilled in us. We must trust that God knows how far to take us, and let Him carry us that that place He ordains. We must be willing to let go of our dreams and remain open to receiving what our Lord chooses to give."

"For the work you accomplish can be undone, the dishes will be dirtied again, the floors muddied. But you cannot take away the indelible memories of time with your Lord, your children, or with those in need. Those gifts establish a legacy that continues long after the last supper is eaten and the last carpet is vacuumed."

"What sacrifices are you willing to make today so that you will have greater resources [not just financial] out of which to give in the future?"

"But the enemy wants to trick you out of these legacy moments by selling you a cheap bowl of soup. If the devil can distract you from the issues of eternal consequence through the use of the urgent, then he can leave the rest to you."

"While what you do onstage is notable and noble, what really counts is what remains when the show is over. What do you have left when the lights go down?"

Also check out one of my favorite books.

The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord | by T.D. Jakes

I've been reading...

Enjoying Where You Are on the Way to Where You Are Going | by joyce meyer

This was my first experience reading a Joyce Meyer book, and it took me a very long time to get through it (like 2 months!). Although she is an incredible lady, I had a hard time engaging in her writing style. The content was good, but I felt that it was somewhat unorganized. The overall theme of the book was making the choice to enjoy live no matter where the journey takes you. She covered topics such as simplicity, regret and dread, legalism, diversity, and waiting. Each page was full of Scriptural references, which is good! :) But, I think it kept the book from flowing as well. The chapter I was most able to connect with was called "Joy in God's Waiting Room". We all enjoy different writing styles, so even though this book was not my favorite read, it might be just what you need to hear.

Here are a couple of key points that were significant to me.

"Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it..." Ps. 127:1 If God is not the builder of my life, my business, and my relationships, then there is no stability to any of it... because my work and labor is futile without Him.

"And God said [to Moses], 'I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness. But... you cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live... Behold there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand upon the rock, and while My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by... Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen." Exodus 33:18-23 This is an incredible passage to me. We can't always see what God is doing or when He is coming, but we know when He has been there... and can often sense when He is getting closer. God showed up "suddenly" and revealed His glory to Moses... it left Moses changed. By the radiance of his face, people could tell that God has passed by. Incredible.

I've been reading...

So, I thought you might be interested in some mini reviews of the books I've been reading... there will be more to come, because I've finally fallen back in love with books. :) I will try to add a mini review each time I finish a book... a little reward to me and you. :) I know that summer is coming soon, and you might need a good read for the pool or beach. I'm currently about halfway through another really good book, so check back soon. :)

a man worth waiting for | by jackie kendall

Jackie is also the author of the book, Lady in Waiting, if you have read that. This book was a really quick read for me (which is rare!). Jackie really captures the reader's attention as she compares and contrasts modern day "Boazes" with "Bozos". The scriptural foundation is the book of Ruth. Jackie explored several non-negotiable characteristics of a "man worth waiting for", such as emotional maturity and faithfulness, as well as practical ways to be a "woman worth waiting for". I believe this book could relate to ladies of all ages... but, it seems to apply to post-grad ladies better than most other "relationship" books I have read. It was a fresh perspective on relationships and would be great for a girls' small group study, as it has discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This was a powerful quote I took away from the book... definitely worth reading!

"It is that we find in Him, the fact of His existence and of His character, all that we can possibly want for everything. God is, must be, our answer to every question & every cry of need. If there is any lack in the One who has undertaken to save us, nothing supplementary we can do will avail to make it up; and if there is no lack in Him, then He of Himself and in Himself is enough."

-hannah whitall smith

making work at home work | by mary m. byers

I'm SO glad I read this book... I will warn you that it's definitely geared toward moms of young children. (which I'm sure I will be able to relate someday!) But, I was able to look past that aspect and apply it to my current work situation. The first half of the book focuses on "saving your sanity", while the second half of the book focuses on "preserving your profit". I felt like it was very thorough in its coverage of topics and details related to working from home. This is one of those books that you will want to read a chapter or two a day in order to implement and absorb the info... and I kept a highlighter handy the whole time. Some of the topics that were very useful to me were: negotiating deadlines, new definition of success, developing policies, life schedules, systematizing, outsourcing, retirement planning. Some information that would be useful to moms would include information about networking, childcare, and dinner planning. I would recommend this book to anyone who works from home, with or without children.

the woman of mystery | by hayley dimarco

There were may aspects of this book that seemed common sense to me or that I've grown up hearing and learning. I love the perspective of a lady who was single until age 37 and all the details of living fully in every season of life. The characteristics of a woman of mystery are related to both single and married women. After all, shouldn't the mystery always be kept alive?! ;) This was another quick read for me... that's usually the case when I read books by female authors. She did a great job of describing how to embrace life while still making comfortable room for a man in your life. This was a powerful quote I took away from the book.

"He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition." -george macdonald