Customer Reviews

The One Year Devotions for Women on the Go (One Year Books)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
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I am using this book as my devotional in 2007, and almost daily I am surprised by the angle that the text takes. I start out reading it thinking that the scenario the author is describing is some problem of hers, but it always turns out it's someone else's problem, and the author is the "savior" of the problem, or the one making the right decision (and we should likewise make such a righteous decision). I don't disagree; the decisions the author makes are correct, but it is a bit tiring to continually read about how excellent the decisions of this famed and powerful Christian leader (?) are. I have read various books from influential Christian authors, and there is usually a bit more humility involved. For example, last year I read a collection of C.S. Lewis' works that had been made into a devotional. I never sensed that C.S. Lewis was bragging about the great things he had done. Same with, say, Dr. James Dobson, a respected author with sound Christian principles. That is not the case with this book, however. I have to laugh to myself when I come across yet another day's text where the author shares what a great thing she did. It's still a book I need to and plan to continue to learn from, but I really don't recommend it due to the irritating "holier than thou" subjects.

I received Pam Farrel's Devotions for Women on the Go as a gift. Because I've never been much of a devotional reader, it remained untouched on my nightstand for several days. I wish I had picked it up sooner. The truth is that until now I had seen devotional time as "God-time-lite," offering a quick fix to my longing to connect to God. I was wrong.

For the last few weeks, the daily challenges and personal stories in Devotions for Women on the Go have been a refreshing break in the middle of my busy day. They haven't replaced my weekly study time, but they have helped me to stop in my tracks to reflect about my daily walk with God and how it translates into the practical choices I make moment by moment.

I am pleasingly surprised that each reading has been a primer for a richer conversation with God throughout the day. For me, the author's credibility, which can only come from a mixture of transparency, personal experience, and research, is essential for me to connect with the book. Pam is definitely a person who has walked the walk and is not ashamed to share both the good and the bad with candor. Yet, I so much appreciate that not all the stories are about her personal experience. The devotional offers a good balance of Farrel's personal stories, biblical stories, and stories from women from all walks of life.

Here are some of the devotions that have challenged me in the last two weeks:

* "Dumbing Down" gave me a timely illustration to challenge some of the women I mentor to "don't dumb down [spiritually]" and instead "strive to be the best you can be through Christ."

* "Success in Heart" was the perfect reprieve during a very challenging day; it reminded me that God responds to specific prayer because He's deeply involved in every part of my success.

* "Love in Action" challenged me to put legs and energy to the love I claim to have for God and ask myself, "What does that 'action' look like right now?"

* "Forward Focus" came to me at the perfect time when pain and paralysis had overtaken me. I knew it was time to move forward, but reading Pam's candid story of moving beyond painful circumstances game me the extra fuel to take one more step needed to finish my day.

Although I'm still a renegade devotional reader (I don't read the devotionals in order but page through the book until I land on a title that captures my heart for the moment), I'm very grateful for this very special gift. It has taught me that a devotional is not meant as the main course in my spiritual nutrition program, but as an appetizer that whets my hunger for more of God.

I thank Pam Farrel for providing her readers such an abundant menu of bites to help us stay hungry for Him. If you are looking for a new devotional to do just that, this one may be just the one for you.

I purchased this book several years ago, and continue to use it daily! I wanted a devotional that doesnt take much time, but really connects God's word with a busy woman as myself. I found it here. It feeds me daily, and I have enjoyed memorizing the scriptures as a result of the warm devotional that the author unfolds for me. I find her stories to be real, heartwarming and authentic. I have given this as a gift to several friends and family. I see the authors love for Jesus come thru and its contagious! She should do one for the family on the go!

As a mother with young children, it is easy to miss having a daily devotional time with God. Actually, that may be the case whether you have kids or not! I found this devotional perfect to keep me in touch with God on a daily basis. Having a fresh voice is helpful and motivational. I recommended this easy to read, meaningful devotional for women on the go!

I read the other review for this book and can understand her point of view. I must say that I feel the author approaches life as a real person and shares struggles and baby steps forward from her own life and those of other women desiring to have an authentic walk with the Lord, women whom the author has counselled. True, many of the topics are not developed to the depth of a devotional like My Utmost for His Highest, but I see that this devotional is truly what it's titled--a glimpse into God's word and His ways for women on the go, and in my opinion, it can appeal to a broad spectrum of women. As the author deals with a moral issue, she speaks the truth and challenges the reader, at whatever level she is in her walk with the Lord, to allow the Lord to examine her heart and life. I have been reading other Scripture along with this devotional book in my quiet times, and not just what is presented for the day. I have enjoyed this enough to give copies as gifts to other women.

This is by far the best, most transformational devotional I've ever read. She knows how to talk to the busy women. Really hits the point helps you see what God needs you to see. This devotional changed my life. She also writes a book called Women of Influence, which helped me start my new business making a difference for God's kingdom (www.theolivetee.com).

I gave this book as a gift to my girl friend and she was very pleased with it. She reads it every day.

The One Year Book of Devotions for Women on the Go was a refreshingly practical devotional book that always had an interesting story and application. I looked forward to reading it and read it through two years in a row. Well done, Pam, in connecting women's busy lives with God who is always there. The book opens our eyes to see what God can do when we include Him in each day.