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.

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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. 

 

 

Run of Love

This past Saturday I participated in my first real run. What I mean by a real run is that it was my first official race. I ran the 1 mile race in the Texas Mom's for CCA run.  CCA is the Children's Craniofacial Association (CCA)nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and give hope to individuals and families with facial anomalies. My friend Becky son named Wade is a special needs child with facial anomalies. She was the one who first told me about the race. I couldn't say no. First of all it was a local race and second of all it benefited a group that helped special needs children. For those of you who don't know. I really enjoy teaching and working with special needs children. In fact in the spring I am going to go back to school and get my teacher certification so that I can work with them all the time.  I was super excited about the race until the night before the race. Then I was super nervous. I mean here I am a fluffy girl trying to run a mile race. What was I thinking!? Well I finally calmed down and decided that I was going to do the race. At the very least I was getting some exercise and raising money for a great organization.  The next day I got to the race sight early so I could watch and cheer on the 5k runners. That will be next year. This runner is my inspiration.

I figure that if this woman can run a 5K pushing two kids and still place in the top 25 then I can definately run the one mile race. Here's a shirt that one team of runners had at the event. I'd love to have one. It's so COOL and shares a great message!

Well before I knew it. It was time for the race to being. Here's a picture of me at the starting line.

Soon we were off. It was the most exhilarating thing I've ever done. Then all of a sudden my shins started killing me! I've  been training to run on the treadmill. I didn't realize running on concrete would make such a difference! Ouch! Well I finished the race in last place but at least I best time on a mile run EVER!  I'm so proud of myself! More importantly I reminded myself that I can indeed do whatever I set my mind too.

Is there anything you thought you could do and then you put your mind to it and did it?