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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book for Busy Women!, September 10, 2009
This review is from: Becoming a Woman of Simplicity: "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity ... of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3 (Paperback)
The Bible verse on the front of Becoming a Woman of Simplicity is 2 Corinthians 11:3. It says, "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." As I read, I realized that was what was happening in my life. None of the things my family and I were doing were sinful things, but we were trying to do so many things that we were too busy to remain devoted Christians and to spend the time with God and with our own family that I think God would have us spend.
The first chapter of the book is called "Profound Simplicity." It explains that, while it is ok to simplify our lives in order to be less busy and more organized, the main reason to simplify our lives should be to eliminate hindrances to the time we devote to knowing God. We don't have to work to be loved by God. We don't have to earn His acceptance of us. In order to build a relationship with Him, though, we do have to spend time with Him! If our schedules are so busy that we can't do that, then our schedules are just plain too busy.
Later in the book the beauty of simplicity is discussed. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewlery, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." When our goal becomes that of focusing on living simply and in devotion to Christ, we can begin to be the quiet, peaceful, gentle person that God wants us to be. Another advantage to living our lives devoted to God and what He wants us to do each day is that, when things go "wrong," we can begin to see that it was actually a part of God's plan for us that day.
If you find yourself in need of a little "simplifying," this is a great book to read! It is encouraging and practical and interesting to read. It is actually written as a Bible study, but it can be read as a "regular" book like I did. I do, however, plan to go back through it as a Bible study to help me remember and implement what I learned as I read it through the first time.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A simply profound study of what it means to live a God-paced life..., September 29, 2009
This review is from: Becoming a Woman of Simplicity: "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity ... of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3 (Paperback)
Best selling author Cynthia Heald's newest book "Becoming a Woman of Simplicity" seeks to answer questions that often plague the human mind. "Can life in this multitasking, instantaneous, technologically driven age be tamed? Is it possible to live unpretentiously in a world that clamours for constant conversation? In other words is it possible to live simply?"
To all of these questions Heald resoundingly answers "yes." With the grace of a seasoned learner she goes on to "unpack", over the course of 11 chapters/lessons, how to become more simplistic. She explains that true simplicity comes from within.
We cannot change the pace of this world but we can change the way in which we respond to it. Instead of continuing to multi-task Heald explains the importance of becoming single-minded. When we become wholly focused on Christ and develop a God-paced life we often find essentials that are missing from our driven world. Things like: gentleness, quietness, rest, contentment, and peace.
Using quotes from powerful voices of the past and present, personal experience, and practical application each chapter of this book brings the reader further toward their quest for peace and rest. The insights shared in the form of "thoughts from an older woman" drip with wisdom from the heart of someone who has already made the journey.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is perfect for individual or small group study. Those who choose to follow it closely may very well find it to be one of the most transformational books of their lives.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to the basics..., October 26, 2009
This review is from: Becoming a Woman of Simplicity: "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity ... of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3 (Paperback)
If you walk into any book store you will find shelf after shelf of modern day cures for the overwhelmed and frazzled superwoman, the so called Christian Book Store is no exception. These cures are just a band aid, they only temporarily cover up the superficial wounds of running around with too much to do and no purpose for doing it. Becoming a Woman of Simplicity isn't a superficial band aid. The author really gets to the core of the issue, the lack of being simply and purely devoted to Christ. While other books will encourage you to take more "me time" or hire a professional life coach or trainer, you won't find those lies here.
Cynthia Heald cuts out all of the "psychology this" and "feelings that" and leads you through an in-depth and thorough bible study filled with the truth, the scriptures and her own thoughts written in an encouraging "Titus 2" format.
This book fits right along with cutting out the crud and getting down to what really matters, what actually counts in life, and that is right up my alley.
If you have ever felt like the pressures of life are suffocating you, this book will get you going in the right direction and reveal the simple truths needed to get you back to breathing.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope to complete it as a study with other women.
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