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Completely His: Loving Jesus without Limits

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The lead title in the new Loving Jesus Without Limits series by Shannon Ethridge invites women to connect with God through a personal relationship. COMPLETELY HIS is written to remind readers that God loves them lavishly and irrevocably. He treasures them beyond measure and chooses them to be connected to Him.

The book opens with a personal story of killing another woman in a car accident while still in high school. Ethridge shares the feelings that she should have been the one killed, though she didn't receive even a single scratch. She was further shocked when she found out that the husband of the deceased, Gary, was concerned for her and wanted to meet her. His warmth and kindness were almost too much for the young Ethridge to handle. On that fateful day, Gary told Shannon, "I am passing [my wife's] legacy of being a godly woman on to you. I want you to love Jesus without limits, just like Marjorie did. I want you to let Him use you for His glory, Shannon."

Those words have never left Ethridge. And the experience still reminds her that nothing is beyond God's redemption. He can take the ugliest of situations and turn them into something beautiful. In fact, she describes the accident as a "burning bush" experience that welcomed her into a deeper relationship with God. She no longer desires to "do the minimum" to get to heaven, but instead wants to love Jesus without limits.

Throughout the book, Ethridge tells stories from her own life and experiences. Some are tender and serious, while others are funny --- like the time she discovered Miss E, the family cat, in the dryer. She also draws from other women who have shared their stories.

Ethridge says that she pursues the presence of God each day. In the shower she'll thank God for clean, hot water. While driving to school she'll pray out loud for protection and blessing with the kids. On the way home she'll sing songs of praise or share what's in her heart --- imagining God beside her in the passenger's seat. She prays on her way to the mailbox, as she writes, and as she climbs into bed. God's presence is welcome all the time.

The author also recognizes God as a gift giver. Our God offers redemption from our pasts and resurrection power for today. As we are recipients of God's gifts, we are invited to give and even multiply our influence.

Interspersed in the book are little notes or lists in lovely two-page spreads. They offer tips on how to read the Bible and discovering the dreams God wants to bring alive inside you.

One of the most tender moments in COMPLETELY HIS is found in the Afterword. It is an entry by Gary Jarstfer, the man who lost his wife in the car accident when Shannon was a teenager. This precious letter is full of compassion, love and hope. And it's a beautiful demonstration of the message of this book --- that nothing is beyond God's redemption, so we are free to love Him with everything we have.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

This book has awoken my heart to the intense love that God has for me and His endless pursuit to aid me in becoming completely his. The author uses great analogies and personal testimonies to drive relevant points home. It has inspired me to fall madly, deeply, and completely in love with the One who loved me first and will love me last. It is well written and hard to put down until I was done, then, it left me craving more!

How could someone ever love me after I destroyed their life as they knew it? Perhaps these were Shannon Ethridge's thoughts after her life took a dramatic turn as a high school junior. A car accident which she was involved in changes her life and that of another family. In her book "Completely His Loving Jesus Without Limits," Shannon tells the story of how she felt when she met face to face with the widower of the woman who she killed. This becomes a major turning point in her life and the start of a very encouraging friendship.

When Shannon experiences the unconditional love that Gary Jarstfer shows her even after killing his wife, shows her a love which she has never known. Gary's example of a Christ-like love is very notable. This love should be a parallel to the love which Jesus Christ had for us. John 15:13 states "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

It is not without many struggles that Shannon comes to terms with her life changing experience. Shannon clearly states that she has gained a deep understanding of God's character and the impact of Christ's passion on our life. He died so we may live! This is a very inspirational book in which God has taken a very dark period in her life and changed it into something very beautiful. I feel that everyone who has ever struggled with a difficult period in their life or is dealing with it currently, could learn much about their Savior through this book. Shannon notes many Scripture references to bring her points across and make it much easier to understand what she intends to convey. Gary Jarstfer did not only show her unconditional love and forgiveness but also was very instrumental in her knowing that she is completely His!

This is a book about our relationship with Jesus as the bride of Christ and what that bridal relationship should look like. To be courted by the lover of my soul...to be wooded and pursued by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Redeemed from bondage and purchased into the everlasting covenant of marriage. I am a cherished bride and possession. The apple of His eye. And even though I am an unfaithful adulteress he pursued me anyway. The God of the universe is my own husband and bought me with his own life. A love story. I am the object of my husbands desire and he wants all of me. He pursues me with intensity, passion and deliberate purpose. There is hunger and longing and anticipation. He delights in me. My soul response should be to fall head over heels in love with him. And in that love I will long to obey and connect with him...to rest in his arms and recline in his love.

This is a wonderful message and I wept many hot bitter tears just daring myself to believe it. The God of my youth did not like me. He was an extension of parental authority and a chronic score keeper who was out to get me. I have burned out on the judgment and condemnation message...it no longer moves me. But this got to me. This broke a heart of stone. And now the miracle of miracles is happening...I am starting to believe that I am loved and wanted and valued and cherished and esteemed and planned and that I have purpose and that I am not a mistake.

Worthwhile read for anyone coming out of a legalism and condemnation background.

Completely His, Loving Jesus Without Limits was wonderful. It made such an impact on my relationship with Jesus. Shannon Ethridge is a great author and she fills her book with such incredible stories and examples on how to truely love Jesus.

"Completely His" challenges Christian women everywhere to surrender their hearts, dreams and desires to the Lover of their soul, Jesus Christ. Shannon uses very relevant examples of how she and others have responded to His proposal and enjoyed the benefits of being His treasured bride. If you are looking for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord, read this book!

Using anecdotal incidents form her own life, Shannon Ethridge makes the case that God welcomes doubting Thomasina into his tent. She begins her assertion with the story of being a teen putting on lipstick while driving to school hitting a person walking on the road. That individual Marjorie Jarstfer died; her husband Gary asked if she was okay. Instead of loathing her, he tells her about his wife. He not only forgave her he and his family and their pastor informed Shannon that God forgave her too and that Marjorie was surely with Jesus forgiving her and wanting her to move on and make something of herself.

Thus this sets the tone as Ms. Ethridge uses plenty of scripture and personal incidents to encourage hurting women that God is there for them even people like her who committed vehicular homicide and who became a sex sinner before she found her way to redemption. Well written, those who already appreciate Ms. Ethridge's powerful message will fully appreciate her latest Bridal Party inspirational (see COMPLETELY LOVED and COMPLETELY FORGIVEN); however, this doubting reviewer disbelieves those with damaged souls will soar to this motivating epiphany and make Jesus the passion of your life.

Harriet Klausner