Customer Reviews

Meet Me at the Well: Take a Month and Water Your Soul

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book came to me at just the right time. I felt like I was about to smother and I was wearing so many hats in tending to my family. I felt hopeless and everything was so out of control with one in the nursing home, one dying, one recently died, trying to enjoy grandchildren and help with them some, be a decent mother (even if my daughter is grown), somewhat of a so-so wife, and deal with a chronic illness myself!

I heard the author on the radio one day talking about her book and it was like she wrote it just for me! After listening to her for a bit, I realized she wrote it from her own hectic situation. It was good for me to know that there are so many of us out there trying to do the same thing.

Anyway, I love this book. I have given it as a gift to others in hopes they will gain a blessing as I did.

This review was written by my wife, Shirley Murphey:

Virelle Kidder's book Meet Me at the Well is a must read for women. She is honest about every part of her life, admitting to bouts of depression, doubts, and extreme stress; yet as we identify ourselves with her problems, she lovingly leads us to Christ, the living water of life.

The illustrations are written from a woman's point of view, but spiritually thirsty men will also enjoy a drink at the well.

Virelle admits to "down" times in her daily walk with the Lord, but as she has been lifted to higher places she carries readers with her to "up" times when the walk changes to a happy skip. She offers Scripture passages for spiritual uplifting in a daily section titled "Living Water."

After quenching our thirst, we're encouraged to do something tangible: write in a journal; share the experience with a group of friends; search our hearts for needed changes; make an encouraging phone call; write out a prayer of commitment; or even just spend a few minutes resting and relaxing.

Although the book is written as a devotional guide to be read and acted on each day in a month, I found that some chapters kept me enthralled for two or three days, not because of lack of time to read, but the need to reread meaningful passages and let the deep waters drench my special thirst.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who knew that I did not particularly enjoy reading devotional material - I am glad that I listened to her. The reader is touched emotionally as Mrs. Kidder uses Scripture to discribe challenging days in her own life - she is transparent and thoughtful. Easy and enjoyable to read. Not "preachy." For anyone who is facing struggles in life - and needing a soothing lesson from Scripture.

When an exhausted girlfriend took Virelle Kidder's book to bed for a day of refreshment, coming away with raving reviews, I decided to do the same. I would be "Queen for a Day." Ha! It became abundantly clear that this book wasn't the typical, fluffy devotional, that are a dime a dozen in the bookstores. No, this was authentic, powerful, and life-changing. Deep, yet I found myself laughing out loud at times, along with the transparent sharing of Kidder. By the way, Kidder isn't just any author. She's earned her stripes as an effective communicator--former host of her own radio show in NY, a convention speaker to thousands of women, an author. My plan for staying in bed to read the whole book got interrupted by the realities of life, but I was hooked, like an addict. I must confess I have carried this little book with me, sneaking in ten minutes here, ten minutes there, to read a chapter. You'll get hooked too...I promise. It would also be a great gift for anyone who is hurting, anyone who is great at taking care of everyone in the world except themselves, and workaholics like me, who can't spend a whole day in bed.

I heard Virelle on Midday connection on Moody radio and knew when I heard her that I HAD to get this book. I am a caregiver for a disabled husband, my father, and my learning challenged son (as well as working full time) and I was losing the ability to function. Virelle's book took me back to the well to drink the living water that refreshed me tremendously. Since she was in a similar caregiving role, she spoke to me as if she was in my life and knew what I was thinking and how I felt.

If you are looking for a daily devotional that relates to your life as both a daughter and a mother, than this is a good choice for you. The author uses both Scripture and personal life experiences to reach out to the reader and let them know that they are not alone in their walk.
Kidder doesn't hide her thoughts and feelings, even if they aren't pretty; she writes as one we can relate to. The only way to describe her writing in this devotional is REAL.
This book will inspire you to walk closer to God.

Virelle Kidder was instrumental in my return to faith in 2005. Virelle ministers in person in the same way she does in Meet Me at the Well--with a humble, trusting, honest relationship with God that gives the reader the bravery to meet Him at the well. This is the best devotional I've read. It's clear and vulnerable... with confidence that God will provide us all with what we need if we dare to welcome Him into our lives. Buy it! Buy copies for your friends!

Another wonderful book by Virelle Kidder. She speaks candidly and brings the truth to light in this refreshing read. Made a great gift for my mom and sister too. I also read her memoir, "The Best Life Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It," and it's equally as encouraging and delightful. I read it in one sitting. I've really gotten to know this woman who puts her heart and soul into her books. Virelle's highly loveable, relatable, funny and real...and she's become a good friend through her words that offer hope. God is glorified through her work. This is a very special book that you must read!

I like the practical nature of Virelle's devotional in that she asks the reader to apply what she has written to their own lives. I suggest you do just that: write in response to what she has written. This not only clarifies your learning but also personalizes it. I am a Certified Life Coach, and what I know from helping people create change is this:in order to move forward, you have to turn idea into an action, and the first step in doing that is writing it down.

This has reminded me of the need to get into God's Word for myself--not just when I'm preparing a lesson or a message for someone else. I often get so wrapped up in motherhood and ministry and feeling like I shouldn't be dry that when I am, I don't even recognize it. Then I crash, and that's never a good thing. This is a book that I read straight through and immediately wanted to start over again at the beginning. This book also encourages you to journal as you read it, which has been a blessing. I used to think of myself as a writer. Now I think of myself as a mom who might some day get back to writing. Working on some of the journaling ideas has reignited the desire to spend more time with a pen and less time with a remote. This book has been well worth it!