Gay Girl, Good God ~ Book Review

I recently had the chance to read and review Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry.  First, I understand this can be a super controversial topic today.  At least, that's how the book may appear. Surprisingly, the book was not what I expected. What did I expect? Well, Jackie probably describes it best via the term "Heterosexual Gospel"
I really appreciated Jackie's perspective and insight throughout this book.

Really it comes down to one concept. We are ALL sinners in need of Jesus.

Period. End of sentence.

Jackie offers great insight and wisdom through her personal experience in Gay Girl Good God.

Watch out church because Jackie tells it like it is. "In an effort to be kept by some other means, many saints have found themselves on a path paved by self-righteousness and good works and not the gospel." (pg. 103)

Jackie also shares how society today has twisted God's original intent for womanhood.  It is not the 1950's image, the liberated image, but rather what the Bible teaches. Which is so much more than all that. And some much more profound!

Reflecting on the the call Jesus has for each of us: "If it were all as easy as I'd want it to be I would've been happy, but I doubt I would've been whole" (page 137). Really this is our flesh battling with what Jesus calls us to be - holy and set apart. It's not easy friends, and Jackie brings that point home.

Jackie also shares, "Do you know why we have a hard time believing that a gay girl can become completely different creature? Because we have a hard time believing God." (page 145)

Jackie also writes, "The root of all sit is unbelief in God."  (pg. 160). As I said, this book is really the gospel, just told based on Jackie's story!

 Jackie shares, "God isn't calling gay people to be straight" (page. 177).

I appreciate that fact that Jackie is honest with the church. She lays it out there in a Biblical way. You might not agree with what she has to say (it is based on the Bible), but know that Jackie says, "the reason to turn from sin has always been so we can turn toward Jesus" (page 190)

Jackie's insight and experience are invaluable to the church today. It is relevant. I was given a free copy of Gay Girl, Good God for my honest review.

You've Got This (Because God's Got YOU!)

I recently had the opportunity to read You’ve Got This (Because God‘s Got You). I had never heard of KariAnne Wood nor her blog. I look forward to  checking out her blog as she references it for decorating tips in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed  You’ve Got This (Because God‘s Got You). This book is a short, small book of 52 devotionals to uplift and encourage you. And it does just that. These are basically short stories or potential blog posts that can be read in a quick amount of time. This book would make a great gift.

KariAnne is real and authentic in sharing while writing this book. She offers encouragement and hope and keeps it simple and honest. I enjoyed reading the stories of her single life, eventually married life and now parenting life. KariAnne shares many stories that are relatable to many, however, those who will relate most are mothers. 

I enjoyed reading You’ve Got This (Because God‘s Got You) and would recommend this small, encouraging quick read! I was given a free copy of You’ve Got This (Because God‘s Got You)for my honest review, which I was happy to do!

Great Pumpkin Dessert

The recipe is so good and so easy. The nice thing about this recipe (and many I have!) is that you can have most of the ingredients on hand. That way if you decide last minute to make it you can! Or if you need something last minute you have it!

1 can (15 oz.) solid pack pumpkin

1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 package yellow cake mix (any brand)

3/4 cup butter melted (I sometimes cut this back to 1/2 cup)

Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and pumpkin pie spice.  

Put in a greased 9X13 pan.  Sprinkle with cake mix. Drizzle butter over.  

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes (or more) until knife comes out clean.

Of course I do not have a picture of the finished result! I prefer to refrigerate it after it cools!

Enjoy!

Warrior Moms ~ Prayers for the Battlefield!

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to read Prayers for the Battlefield by Heidi St. John.  First, I was unfamiliar with her work or her ministry.  However, I was quickly delighted by her writing. In Prayers for the Battlefield, Heidi shares relevance wisdom and insight from her journey of raising her children and launching them.  This book is relevant both to mothers who have young children as well as mothers who have already launched their children from the home. It is a quick simple read that offers amazing insight based on scripture.

When I start reading a book I have to make a decision, will I underlined in the book or not? I'm happy to say that this book was definitely a book to underline. In it, Heidi St. John offers is invaluable insight to all mothers. This book is a great reference to have handy when needed!

Heidi shares, "Parenting is faith work at every stage..." She also shares practical wisdom on having VICTORY through Jesus in your parenting.  Heidi shares that, "God put the right arrow with the right warrior" (Meaning the right child with the right mama!)

I was given a free copy of Prayers for the Battlefield by Heidi St. John for my honest review. I was happy to provide this review and will be recommending this book to others!