"LifeGrowth Guide - You're Already Amazing" by Holley Gerth

THESE TWO are TOO AMAZING and so is HOLLEY GERTH! +
=
Amazing!!!
combination of 
"embracing who we are, becoming all God created us to be"
written aMazingly from the heart of
Holley Gerth
which truly is such a personal encouragement from this
best selling writer, certified life coach, speaker
and co-founder of (in)courage
<><><>

I had the added advantage of not only reading simultaneously both books {due to the precious heart of Lori Schumaker who had a giveaway, but also decided to give actual hands-on copies to me, not even the winner} but actually working through the LifeGrowth Guide along with Holley Gerth and other readers through Holley's aMazing Online Book Club and exceptional resources made available on her website. Although the LifeGrowth Guide actually can stand and be read on its own with excerpts from the original "You're Already Amazing" included in it, if you are like me and missed out on reading the first one, it's so much better to read them both together as instructed at the beginning of each "session" of the "LifeGrowth Guide". 
There are only 6 sessions in the "LifeGrowth Guide" and the book "You're Already Amazing" actually has 11 chapters plus a "Go Deeper Guide" which makes both of these great for small groups at church or individual or with an actual counselor, although Holley's gifted in "counseling" and the exercises in both show her very qualified expertise plus the heart of a sister in Christ speaking frankly and openly with you throughout her books. She's as real as they come and a genuine kindred spirit that really cares! which shows in her writing in her books and on her blog (and in case you did not know on some very special cards that she's created at Dayspring). These 6 sessions – each with a section in the workbook also have a video session that’s about 10 minutes long are: 1)Who God Created Us to Be, 2) What’s True No Matter How We Feel, 3) Our Amazing Journey with Jesus, 4) God’s Plan for Our Relationships, 5) God’s Purpose for Our Lives, 6) How We Can Thrive for a Lifetime. The LifeGrowth Guide has sections in the workbook to answer specific questions, journal your thoughts and prayers, and do other creative exercises to help you GROW. Each section ends with a part called "Your Life Coach" and that is who Holley has become to so many of us struggling with our self esteem or believing we are aMazing. Her charts, tips, notes and wisdom from her own life and God's Word add so much to this edition. Holley has gone a step beyond with this new "LifeGrowth Guide" of "You're Already Amazing". 
If you were privileged to have read "You're Already Amazing" best-selling book (published in 2012) and participate in the (in)courage online book club of this original one, then you have a definite sense of how Holley dares and empowers you, the reader, to discover our God ordained potential within ourselves then this "LifeGrowth Guide" will move you onward as a wonderful interactive means to engage fully in this process. Either way, reading the "LifeGrowth Guide" with or without having read the original, you'll find new information and more applicable exercises and questions to help you know who God created you to be and become. I believe this book would be ideal for a new believer or a weathered believer, who has yet to grow in ALL the ways of knowing who we are in Christ Jesus and to further develop our abilities, and reaffirm us by reminding us all who we are and encouraging us to become more for ourselves and then for others better. 
Reading the "LifeGrowth Guide ~ You're already aMazing" challenged me and stretched me in new ways! Holley writes as if she really is sitting down with us and talking to us individually with her own and other's life examples in a clear, understandable fashion. I cannot say enough good about all Holley has put together to further us in believing that we already are amazing and have all it takes within us to grasp how God sees us and made us. 
I requested this book originally from NetGalley from Revell Publishing because I was afraid that I would not be able to afford getting both and I wanted to participate in Holley's Book Club {but as you have read, Lori Schumaker made it possible for me to receive both books in their soft bound edition, which I simply love to page through and hold in my hands with adequate space to journal and make notes or answer.} I will go back to this book as an excellent resource over and over again as well as continue reading at both Holley's and Lori's blogs. 

" Disclosure: I received this book free from NetGalley and Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

*You can go back on this blog on "aMazing Mondays"  from March - May or search for "Already Amazing" to see links to Holley's and some of what I shared during the Book Club in 2016. "aMazing Mondays" started here because of Holley's books! She and her books are really "aMazing"! I am so sorry that the review of this book and another just as wonderful book is so late (the other will somehow have to be inserted somehow during my summer book club either on Weds. or the weekend so it is not even later). My apologies to these authors and their publishers that gave me review copies but this was out of my control.

"40 DAYS of DECREASE ... " by Alicia Britt Chole

{I really meant to publish this review right after the 40 days of Lent}

or like the title
"...DECREASE..."
but you can't even read the cover and the rest of this title

"40 Days of Decrease

A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast."

By Alicia Britt Chole

Book Description: "...40 Days of Decrease guides readers through a study of Jesus’ uncommon and uncomfortable call to abandon the world’s illusions, embrace His kingdom’s reality, and journey cross-ward and beyond."

"40 Days of Decrease... A Different Kind of Hunger. A different Kind of Fast" by Alicia Britt Chole 'is a beautiful invitation to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection in a more meaningful way than ever before' so this is why after reading a 6 day sampling with You Version reading plans, I chose this book for this past season of Lent ... to really reflect more deeply in the entire experience of the "40 days" leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hoped this season of preparation of my heart might be different, with the discipline of reading and participating in these "40 Days of Decrease" which is meant to "guide readers through a study of Jesus’ uncommon and uncomfortable call to abandon the world’s illusions, embrace His kingdom’s realities, and journey cross-ward and beyond" so that I might be "awed" as I read [40fast(dot)com]. {I even subscribed to the author's blog} ... I really hoped I might experience that 'full embrace' as I read in the author's gift of eloquence and thoughtfulness with words ... I wanted what she experienced to be what I might experience minus perhaps the suffering. Perhaps I did not put forth as much effort and intensity as she clearly has in this well documented, researched and thorough book on fasting, lent and "decrease". Her words are poetic and profound. Her insights and deep thoughts are amazing. But for me, it was a bit overwhelming. I guess my "awe" was more in the many facets of her writing and information than the "awe" that I desired during my 40 days. 

Honestly I have mixed feelings about "40 Days of Decrease" with more of a sense of overload after each day's devotional part of the reading for that day. Perhaps it's just me, but Alicia Britt Chole definitely writes on a higher level than I am at, and I found there is so much 'content', that it was hard for me to simply read, focus and understand. Often I would have to read and then re-read until I could understand what was written. Alicia Britt Chole is definitely a gifted wordsmith and clearly this "40 Days of Decrease" took much research and time as well as a genuine heart of seeking all God has ... she even started off with a very personal prologue of a "Grand Reduction" in her life.

"... Lent had come half a year early. God asked me to fast mental and physical strength. He invited me into holy weakness.  I found Jesus there.  We often think of Jesus’ fast beginning when He stepped into the Judean wilderness. But the fast actually began three decades earlier when the Glory of heaven was wrapped in plain paper and given as a gift to mankind.          The Grand Reduction had begun.  Jesus fasted omnipresence and clothed Himself with flesh. He fasted being worshiped by angels and accepted the disregard of man. He fasted the Voice that birthed planets and submitted to the silence of thirty hidden years " ...

{See what I mean!}
{This is fantastically written and quite profound just to tell us of Jesus' great sacrifice and humble beginnings. Or am I missing something much deeper?}
Don't get me wrong. Though I started out with some of my own quirks and complexities, I truly value every day of Alicia Britt Chole's "40 Days...". I just had a difficult time making them mine and reflecting because there was so much in each day. Although I'm sure I highlighted a great portion of the book, when I found myself enlightened by her ever so much. You really have to be in a thinking mode and beyond, this is not light stuff, you need a very studious mode as well. Each day of the "40 Days ..." was packed. I guess I allowed myself to get too bogged down with it all. 
I really should have started with the good and then weighed in on the problems I had with reading this after I describe how each day goes. Trust me, there was no "decrease" except the wonderful teaching on what should become less in our lives so that Christ may BE more in us. Alicia Britt Chole put much thought into each day's "fast"; devotion and reading plus an extensive portion of the history of Lent and fasting. 
Each day or chapter of "40 Days of Decrease features a devotional based upon Jesus’ life, guidance for reflection, suggested (and occasionally surprising) daily fasts, an inspiring quote for prayerful meditation, an optional and somewhat academic sidebar chronicling the historical development, practices, and images of Lent, and a suggested Scripture reading with journaling space" per the author's own words in her introduction. I probably would have been better off if I had waited on the optional part until a different time. The suggested Scripture at the end of each day basically took us through the Gospel of John sequentially on most days starting with chapter 12. At times this and the quote of inspiration, in my opinion, seem to have just been added. In her actual writing, Chole uses Scripture that goes along with what she is saying ... but the reading in John after all the rest did not really tie into the discussion of that day. On the other hand, the Daily Fasts, were well-connected with the theme of the day's devotion. I thought that in my review I would be able to choose which "fast" was personally the best for me or the most needed, but frankly, they all are. The Reflections really made you stop and examine your own thoughts and helped to prepare you for that day's FAST. 
It truly is a challenge that we can pursue in other parts of the year for a week or even a month as she suggests also in her introduction. Alicia informs us that the 40 different fasts are offered "in the hope that collectively they will prepare us to be duly awed by Christ’s resurrection by being duly available to daily crucifixion." Trust me, they were!
I believe that this book is truly profound for a real experience during the 40 days of the sacred season of Lent and preparing our hearts, softening our hearts ... as we enter in to experiencing 'the holiness of loss and less in Jesus’ journey cross-ward,' so that 'our hearts open vulnerably to a greater commitment to love and be loved by the Savior'. Even though I took all of the 40 days and then some to soak in and digest this book, it indeed is a great collection that I can go back to the many exceptional highlights and points, graphs, charts and a formidable dissertation on Lent ... but I really believe that Alicia Britt Chole wanted more for us than just the knowledge gained by her. I believe that she would like to know that we came away from this Lenten experience CHANGED. That our lives somehow were deeply impacted beyond the weaving of her poetic words. 

"We are duly thankful, challenged, and inspired by Jesus’ forty-day fast from food in the Judean wilderness. Perhaps we should likewise be grateful, awed, and humbled by His thirty-year fast from praise, power, and potential in Nazareth.  It takes a great deal of strength to choose weakness."

THIS IS NOT AN EASY READ or for the weak of will power or mind.

"When He calls us to fast strength—when He drafts us into decrease—God’s purposes are clear:  "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 8:2–3)  "To humble us, to test us, to know what is in our hearts . . . such is the sifting power of helplessness. In our daily lives, we may prefer self-reliance. But perhaps utter dependence is the truer friend of our souls "

I find "40 Days of Decrease..." to BE
Simply profound and breath-taking! I must admit that "fasting" Lent as a project and  entering this "40 Days of Decrease" as an experience most definitely was my blessed gain  as I learned and sojourned with Our Savior.
The days during Holy Week were actually my favorites! Alicia Britt Chole captured and retold the events in such a way that I will never see those readings  in the same way.
Alicia Britt Chole truly has written about "a different kind of hunger and a different kind of fast" in such a phenomenal way even if her chosen compilation was too intense for me I think all of society would do well  if we would "fast" some of her wonderful suggestions  ranging from apathy to hypocrisy;  addictions to self-confidence; intimidation to "guarding tombs". Each one very unique.
When I "fasted" my voice, the world stood still for that time. Although I have done this traditionally on Good Friday this time I truly listened and sensed silence  beholding Jesus in His death.
I will go back to this book again and again hoping that it will continue to reawaken the "Awe" of both Majesty and Mystery in Jesus' Resurrection.
This is not a book to enter in lightly. I encourage anyone to read this that wants a better understanding of Lent  but also for those who want to really experience a "different kind of hunger", grow profoundly and BE CHANGED.
I recommend reading the academic portions separately and focusing on the "fasting" so that when "Father God calls us to fast increase, decrease will purify our souls."
WOW!
I can see why Alicia Britt Chole walked those who wanted to join her through this book on her Facebook page. I'm sure with her personal guidance she made each day come alive like Jesus and with Jesus to be understood in a freshly anointed way.

" Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the book review blogger's program BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Some people have a gift of reviewing concisely, I try to give you a true sense of what I encounter as I read and am blessed by the greats like Alicia Britt Chole, even if my review was not as favorable, I was truthful and true to my simple but lengthy way.

"GIRL MEETS CHANGE ... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions"

"GIRL MEETS CHANGE ... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions"
by Kristen Strong

Book Description: "Whether chosen and celebrated--like going off to college or welcoming your first baby--or unexpected and anxiety-inducing--like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust--all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change--especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.' In this hope-filled book, she shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life. Anyone who has struggled to adjust to life's transitions will welcome this warm and personal perspective. "

"... Every woman needs this inspiring and insightful message."~Holley Gerth
For 3 weeks in the month of January, "Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong  inspired, challenged and (in)couraged me  through this author, along with Crystal Stine  and other fabulous guests, in preparing my heart and being more aware of how to handle CHANGES with a new perspective ones that I have faced and ones that I may continue to face as we all do throughout our life journeys.
This 2016 Change Challenge really encouraged me "to accept the things I cannot change" that will happen and get a copy of this book {through the publisher via Net Galley, which means I don't get to keep it, just read it and review it} (not my personal preference to review books, but it helps me determine if I want to purchase the book, before I do)
Looking at the cover of the book and reading the title alone, would not have persuaded me that this book was for me, however the contents most certainly do and the many highlights and notes. I do like the cover of all the seasons; it's the title with the word "girl" that might not have appealed to me because I don't think of myself as a "girl" still. But when Kristen explained, in her country "girl" charm, I was more apt to accept the term instead of woman. I guess I thought it was meant more for the younger generations. I could not have been more wrong. Just as on her blog, "Chasing Blue Skies", Kristen writes encouragement to anyone needing it, from the spiritually mature or the newbie still trying to figure things out (as we all are) with "... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions" (the rest of the title of this book). 
Kristen is authentic as they come and helpful in a way that each of us can relate to and connect. She takes the time in each chapter to teach us through Biblical characters and real life women that have faced "changes" and how each one copes or handles the change. She illustrates through personal experiences and shows us how to be honest and deal with the loss, the why, the unexpected, the difficult, etc. without being pretentious at all. Kristen is real. 
I appreciate the sweet way in which she retold Biblical stories that I'm familiar with in such a way to understand her insight and point; a"faith embrace" from Abraham, to Esther, to Joseph, to Ruth and Naomi ... and others (and if you aren't familiar with them, she does such an excellent job of telling their story and giving the Scripture references so you will know them and get it) also the real life women from today that she shares plus herself and her daughter "Faith", because Kristen gets "change" and all the ways that it impacts us. You will feel like you're sitting down and talking with a real friend. My favorite part, besides closing each chapter with a beautiful prayer, was actually the section "How to Be a Friend to the One Going through Change" in the chapter "Because We All Need Friends in Low Places" in the 3rd Part of this book.
Kristen's "Girl Meets Change" is divided into 3 definitive parts or as I see them, as steps:
Part One - Acknowledge: The Change and the Loss Part Two - Accept: God is Believable Part Three - Adapt:A Heart that Thrives   ... with 3 or 4 chapters in each part. Kristen includes an Appendix after her Epilogue on "Bible Truths that Never Change". Her Conclusion "Changed by Change" is true for each one of us that embrace each change, and have a heart change about change. Kristen offers valuable lessons from her own life and others that have faced "changes".

My best takeaways from "Girl Meets Change" personally are: Being honest with God, we give ourselves permission to feel the change and the impact, and get through the change rather than get over it (paraphrased) and "we want to use this change as a vehicle to travel our own little mission fields" as faith embracers. "God brings change to one so she may change many" ... "Change always brings God's invitation to believe His familiar promises." How I have found this and so much more of what Kristen reminds us of, to be true in the CHANGES I face.


"We must know how to ask the right questions during change

so we are most aware of God's purposes."
Kristen sums all this up as she concludes with what God says to us:

..."This new change comes with My same promise of blessing. Accept that this change is a grace not a grievance. Let your heart rest at home in Me, thriving in the knowledge that I'm always looking out for your next best thing." (see below)

And then these as her last profound words:
"Change is a helper - believe it. Change is a gift - receive it. Change is a restorer - live it."
Kristen has so many gems that I've highlighted or quoted from her book. I've shared many here on my blog in images that she designed and I've tried to capture as many as I can to help you as her book has helped me see change differently and with courage.

This still stands out the most: 

"...Change is an absolute provision of God's Grace.  Change isn't something to be feared or dreaded. It's just the next step, His next best thing for you."

I confidently would recommend "GIRL MEETS CHANGE ... Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions" to any woman dealing with changes in life (from the simple to complex ones) to find encouragement in a wonderful mentor who understands - Kristen Strong and shares from a heart open to change. 

 

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Net galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[This book review is long overdue and I apologize for my lateness and doing it so long after the 2016 Change Challenge (kinda out of order). Circumstances and life changes got in my way. For this reason, I have placed it back in order with my previous posts closer to when this event finished and before I "fasted comments" because it desires feedback.]