My Review...
If you are looking for a book that is relatable and
designed to help you see yourself as God designed you to be, then this book is
for you. Smith is warm and encouraging as she shares her transparent stories in
this book, which is broken down into three parts: All the Faith, All the Power,
and All the Impact. Everyone wants a wonderful life, but it is sometimes
difficult to see how that can occur with the messiness that happens daily. Many
people struggle with over-commitment, making it difficult to leave room for God’s
unique plan for each of us. Smith’s book reminds the reader that no one is too
far gone for God’s grace, which changes everything.
Smith points out the trials happen to everyone. The
difference is in how we choose to respond. Trials can actually help us prioritize
and provide opportunities for God to show His strength. This book demonstrates
that it is still possible to have a strong faith in the midst of conflict and
fear. Acronyms such as KNEEL (Know Him; Notify my heart, my enemy, and my
girlfriends; Express the mess; Exchange my will for God’s will; Expand my heart
and worship; Learn the word) and REST (Reflect, Engage, Surrender, Trust) help
solidify her message. She points out that “Worrying might be your natural
response, but it doesn’t have to be your chosen response.”
Each chapter ends with a reflection and response
section which includes opportunities for the reader to interact with Smith on
social media. She states, “You and I were born for greatness…for eternal
greatness: to know God and showcase God.” This would be a great book to use for
personal or group study or for anyone wanting a deeper walk with Jesus.
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy from the publisher as part of the Litfuse Blogger
program in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive any compensation for
my review.
Link for purchase...
About Gwen...
My goal is to encourage you to think big thoughts about God by pointing you to His truth and grace through stories, songs, and Scripture. Without hesitation; I am an unashamed, imperfect worshiper of Jesus Christ. His goodness covers my mess and purposes my days to live out the hope of the Gospel. It is my joy and passion to inspire women to live fully in Christ. How? I speak. I sing. I write books, devotions, and songs. I worship. I post, pin, and Tweet. I am intensely in love with the Word of God and believe, wholeheartedly, that the Bible is divinely inspired truth.
Formal me…
I am the author of Broken into Beautiful (Harvest House Publishing), co-author of Trusting God and Knowing God by Name (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing), and just published I Want it All (David C. Cook Publishing). I am one of three co-founders of Girlfriends in God, a conference and devotional ministry with more than 800,000 subscribers from all across the world. I speak, lead worship, and perform concerts for thousands of people annually at Christian women's events and churches. Over the years, I've shared the ministry platform with tons of "big names," but none close to the name of JESUS :-)
I have new songs coming out soon that were written to coordinate with my new book, I Want it All, and I'm giddy excited about them. I was a staff songwriter and worship artist for Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing from 2008 to 2011, have written freelance for LifeWay and Lillenas Publishing, and am now writing for Audio 31 Music, in collaboration with Sunday Best Music out of Nashville, Tennessee.
I have shared my testimony, stories, and songs on such TV shows as Life Today with James and Betty Robison, The 700 Club, The Harvest Show, The Good Life, The HomeKeepers Show, and Atlanta Live. Additionally, I've also been featured on many radio programs.
Not-so-formal Me…
I am a carpooling, coffee-craving, dark chocolate lover who struggles like many with dirty dishes, messy piles, mountains of laundry, complicated relationships, and cellulite. I play guitar and live to lose myself in worship at the piano. Volleyball is my sport of choice. Love. That. Game.
My family rocks my world. They are my first ministry priority. I've been married to Brad, my hunky college honey, for 22 years now. We have three cool kids, all teens, who keep us on our toes and on our knees. On most days, after homework has been done, we can be found on a court, at a field, or in a gym somewhere in the greater Charlotte area. We live in sunny North Carolina and are members of Life Fellowship Church where I serve as a worship leader, occasionally teach an adult Sunday School class, and where my husband serves as an elder.
Where to find Gwen online…
Twitter @GwenSmithMusic
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