Book Review: Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a life of Meaning by Rebekah Lyons

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Handlebar Publishing

About The Book



Women today are fading. In a female culture built on Photoshopped perfection and Pinterest fantasies, we've lost the ability to dream our own big dreams. So busy trying to do it all and have it all, we've missed the life we were really designed for. And we are paying the price. The rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among the female population in Western cultures is at an all-time high. Overall, women are two and a half times more likely to take antidepressants than men. What is it about our culture, the expectations, and our way of life that is breaking women down in unprecedented ways?

In this vulnerable memoir of transformation, Rebekah Lyons shares her journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to the heart of Manhattan, where she found herself blindsided by crippling depression and anxiety. Overwhelmed by the pressure to be domestically efficient, professionally astute, and physically attractive, Rebekah finally realized that freedom can come only by facing our greatest fears and fully surrendering to God's call on our lives. This book is an invitation for all women to take that first step toward freedom. For it is only when we free-fall that we can truly fly.

My thoughts about the book
I was instantly drawn in by this book. It was as if Rebekah Lyons was looking into my life and my struggles. I often wonder what my purpose is and how I can start living it. Lyons helps us to see that true surrender to God will help us find a life more satisfying than we can imagine. I really liked the way the author used quotes at the beginning of the chapters to tie in her theme. This book is a short but powerful read.

About the Author
Rebekah Lyons is the author of Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning. She is a mother of three, wife of one and dog walker of two living in New York City. She’s an old soul with a contemporary, honest voice who puts a new face on the struggles women face as they seek to live a life of meaning. Through emotive writing and speaking, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety, depression, and consumer impulses—challenging women to discover and boldly pursue the calling God has for them. As a self-confessed mess, Rebekah wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike.
Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah serves as cofounder of Q Ideas, a nonprofit organization that helps Christian leaders winsomely engage culture. Her favorite pastime is spent with her nose in a book and a discriminating cup of coffee in hand. You can find Rebekah on Twitter and Facebook.

Note: I'm always happy to do product reviews. If you're a company and want me to review your product, simply e-mail me at the e-mail address on the sidebar to the right.

 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Handlebar Public Relations.

Tales of the Defended Ones by Beth Guckenberger

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Litfuse Publicity Group.

About the Book:

Ben and Joseph lose their mothers, but find a family looking just for them. Antonio is rescued from what seems like a hopeless situation. Caitlyn dares to trust that truth will set her free. Jorani is delivered from slavery into the arms of grace.

Follow these real-life stories as they take you on a journey to foreign places and extreme struggles. Travel through their challenges and see the hand of the great Storyweaver - our Defender God shielding and defending the defenseless in the Aamazing ways only he can. These are the tales of the ones left wounded and weak-ones made whole and strong . . . 

My thoughts:

I love the way the book talks about God being a Storyweaver.  "He knows exactly what is happening, to everyone, everywhere-and for every why he holds the answer."  This concept has transformed my way of thinking! Beth proves that God is the Storyweaver throughout this book. She tells about stories of children around the world and how God has defended them. The book also spurs us to action calling for us to defend them too (see Proverbs 31:8-9). This book will change the way you see the world.

About the Author:

Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, are the founders of Back2Back Ministries. Beth travels and speaks regularly at women's and missions conferences, as well as youth gatherings and church services. Her topics include orphan care, missions, parenting, marriage/intimacy, and faith. Her story-telling style captures audiences, and she draws from her field experience as a missionary and parent for illustrations to biblical concepts. In addition to her latest release, Tales of the Not Forgotten (Standard Publishing 2012), Beth has written Relentless Hope (Standard, 2011) and Reckless Faith (Zondervan, 2008). The Guckenberger family lives and serves in Monterrey, Mexico where they have hosted thousands of guests on their ministry campus. Between biological, foster, and adopted additions to their family, Beth and Todd are raising nine children.








Note: I'm always happy to do product reviews. If you're a company and want me to review your product, simply e-mail me at the e-mail address on the sidebar to the right.

 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Litfuse Publicity Group. 

 

 

VBS

VBS

We proclaimed him, admonishing and teaching our kids with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end we labored, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully worked in us! (From Col. 1:28-29.)

Vacation Bible School three littel words that make a kid smile or quiver. I've grew up going to VBS.  VBS is taking place this week at our church. This is the first time I've ever taught VBS. I was really nervous about teaching the kids. I don't know why I was so nervous. It has been such a joy and blessing to teach the kids about God and His love! 

Here are my top ten vacation bible school memories (in no particular order):

1. Sweet little snaggletooth mouths saying their memory verses.

2. Listening to around 50 kids sing praises to our Lord. 

3. Watching some of our youth do a skit during the worship rally that has the kids sitting on the edge of their seats.

4. Not having to worry about dinner for the week. Dinner was served for both children and adults. Community Outreach. 

5. Getting unsolisited hugs.

6. Having everyone in VBS sing Happy Birthday to me. Priceless.

7. Watching our youth love on little kids all week.

8.  Trying to make myself do the motions during music. Ha! That is so hard for me!

9. Collecting food for needy families. Kids have such big hearts! 

10.  Seeing the body of Christ work together to create an amazing week for these kids. I was in awe of what God can do with all of our different spiritual gifts and talents.

Were you and/or your kids involved in VBS this summer? If you have a story or a Top 10 list to share, please do!

Mixed Emotions

Tonight I write with a heavy heart and very conflicting emotions. I got a phone call from a friend tonight. I'll call her Shelly. Well, Shelly and I have been friends since elementary school. We don't see each other that often but we still stay in touch. Shelly told me today she's pregnant.I'm happy for her but also part of me is very very sad. I am sad because my hubby and I don't have any kids of our own. We want kids but things haven't been working out for us. I didn't want to upset Shelly while I was talking to her but as soon as I got of the phone I started bawling. Is it wrong for me to be happy for her but sad at the same time? I know that God is in Control and that everything works out for a reason but still sometimes it's so hard. Especially when it seems like you are the only one who's childless. I'm so thankfully that God hears the cry's of my heart and quiets my soul as only He can.

My Girls Part 2 Rosie

Rosie

 Dogs, think they are Human and Cat's think they're God!

 

Well this is my other baby, Rosie. She's not actually a baby. She's 9 1/2 years old. I refer to her a "Momma" because she's old enough to be my mom in cat years. She's very laid back, and happy go lucky except when you pick her up. Then all hell breaks loose.  She absolutely hates being picked up. No matter what! I don't know why. I've picked her up since she was a kitten!  Is that normal for cats?

But on the plus side, she has definitely mellowed out and become more affectionate with age. She loves her belly rubbed! She always has a smile and a meow for me when I come home-no matter what kind of day I've had.

Rosie and Sophie are as different as night and day but that's ok. I wouldn't have it any other way! 

MCN: B5HPH-91MY3-328Q3