Welcome to my new weekly feature!! I know the name is a little long, but I think that a good book and a good cup of tea (or hot chocolate, coffee, or beverage of your choice!) go together so nicely, so that's why I picked the name. I hope to share one of my favorite books, or series of books, each week. Sometimes I will share children's books, and the name for those posts will be "The Story Hour." Please feel free to chime in on the comments, either sharing something about the book(s) I've mentioned, or one of your own recommendations!
Today's book recommendation will be one that God has really used in my life over the past 8-9 years or so: Loving God with All Your Mind, by Elizabeth George. I first heard of this book when I was a junior or senior in college; it was recommended in one of my classes by Mrs. Herron, a teacher whom I greatly respected. When she recommended a book, you knew it had to be good!! I bought the book soon after she mentioned it, and found it to be life-changing. I later told my mom about it, and she read it and loved it, too. Now I know so many other ladies who have benefited greatly from this wonderful book. In fact, just writing about it here is making me want to read through my copy again! :)
Here's a quick synopsis, taken from the back cover of the book (keep in mind that my copy is probably about 10 years old, so the words on the back cover of recently published versions, may be totally different!):
"More than 10,000 thoughts pass through our minds each day. Wouldn't you like every one of those thoughts to be God-pleasing?
That can be a challenge--with the pressures of daily living, we sometimes find ourselves drained by fear . . . worry . . . and depression.
From her own past struggles, Elizabeth George shares how you can know the inner joy that comes from focusing your mind completely on what is true, pure, lovely, and good. She shares six simple yet powerful Bible truths for loving God with all your mind . . . truths that will permanently change the way you think, feel, and live!"
The Scripture passages that are covered in the 13 chapters are Philippians 4:8, Matthew 6:34, Philippians 3:13-14, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11 (my life verse!), and Romans 11:33. I really love how practical this book is. Mrs. George takes profound truth from God's Word, and applies it to areas that so many of us women struggle with day by day. Loving God with All Your Mind was really eye-opening for me, and helped me learn to trust God and focus my mind on what is true, rather than worrisome thoughts or emotions.
I don't want to make this review super long, but if anyone is interested in reading more reviews, and/or getting your own copy, you can check it out here on Amazon. There is also a separate study guide available if you want to do a more in depth Bible study to go along with the book. Elizabeth George has written many other books since this one, and I've read a lot of them. All have been excellent, but I still consider this one to be one of her finest. Definitely one of the best books I've ever read!
So . . . have any of you read this book? Any thoughts you would like to share about it? Any other books along this line that you have especially benefited from? Please share a comment!
4 comments:
Carrie, remember me? I stumbled onto your blog this evening and couldn't resist leaving a little hello. I really like your feature idea with the books. Reading is something that kind of goes by the wayside for me with the busyness of the days, but it is a great way to calm down for sleep. I have read this one and I learned so much from it. Have you also read "Lies Women Believe & the Truths That Set Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss? I highly recommend it.
Come visit my blog anytime! I would love to hear from you and I look forward to reading up on your family and events!
Good choice for the first book review in your new feature! (I love the name, by the way!)
This is indeed a life-changing book. The first time I read it, I also did the study questions. I didn't have a notebook or anything to write my answers in, so I used sheet after sheet of stationery. That sheaf of papers is still stuffed in my copy, and I can't tell you how many times I have gone back and referred to them.
I have shared this book with a number of other women. I always tell them that if they will read it with an open mind and honestly answer the study questions, it will change their lives. I have seen God use it to do just that for several women besides myself. It is truly a life-changing book.
I believe that the main reason this and all of Elizabeth George's books are such a blessing is simply that she teaches God's Word -- and not her own opinion. And she makes the teaching so very practical.
I highly recommend this book!
Carrie, I LOVE this book. I "stumbled" upon it in a strange way, but we know with God there are NO ACCIDENTS! I have given this book to several friends and you are right - life changing! Isn't it great that God can use His Word to speak to an author and she can pass her insight on to us?! God is SO GOOD!!
Mary Ann--of course I remember you! I checked out your blog and left a comment for you. :) Thanks for sharing about the N.L. DeMoss book--I've heard that one recommended before, and I plan to get it sometime! I'm partway through another one by her, "A Place of Quiet Rest." It's very good, too.
Mom--thanks for sharing your thoughts/experiences with this book!!
Jenny--yes, God is so good!! Thanks for sharing how this book touched your life!
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