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Un-Christmas: An Advent Study for Navigating Life’s UNs
The UN-Christmas offers a fresh perspective on Advent, turning the spotlight on life’s unexpected struggles. The “UNs”—like the unideal, unfair, and unexpected situations in life. Each chapter introduces a biblical figure who faced one of these UNs, connecting it with modern struggles. Through daily reflections, personal anecdotes, prayers, and interactive prompts, author Jackie Hardy crafts a unique guide for navigating Advent and beyond, emphasizing faith’s resilience.
Hardy’s storytelling approach is the book’s real charm. She introduces each character with an empathetic and personal tone that pulls readers in. Take Joseph, for instance, grappling with an “unideal” situation upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy. Hardy’s retelling brings Joseph’s emotions into focus, drawing parallels to her own experience during the 2008 housing crisis. This personal connection grounds her reflections, making the book feel as if it’s written for those who find faith challenging amidst adversity.
Day 19 centers on Tamar, whose story Hardy labels as “unstoppable.” Tamar’s resilience in the face of injustice is striking. She refuses to be dismissed or marginalized, fighting for her rightful place in her family line. Hardy brings Tamar’s bravery to life, depicting her as a woman who defies societal norms to secure justice and recognition. In exploring Tamar’s story, Hardy encourages readers to reflect on moments when they, too, might need to push past obstacles or stand firm against mistreatment. It’s an empowering chapter that highlights how faith can fuel determination.
It’s heartfelt and relatable and offers unique insights into well-known biblical stories, making it a great companion for the Advent season. The only minor drawback is that some readers might wish for more depth in biblical context, but overall, this book would be an inspiring read for anyone seeking a new way to experience Advent or needing reminders that they’re not alone in their “UN” moments.
Un-Christmas: An Advent for Navigating Life’s UNs is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties and could use a relatable faith-based guide. Hardy’s candid reflections and interactive exercises make it a companion through the tougher seasons of faith.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DJV99X96
Life-Giving Encouragement
A Purely Wrong Story is a nuanced spiritual self-help book tailored for women grappling with the aftermath of sexual shame. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote this book not only because I have been in the same shoes, grappling with my own aftermaths, but because I could pack out a second book listing the mistakes I have made over a ridiculous amount of years! I hoped to save other women from any portion of the delays and regrets that I knew so well. My prolonged search for healing was partially due to the Christian community often preferring or only addressing a message of abstinence, so I felt there was a significant gap in acknowledging and supporting any woman whose story didn’t include abstinence. Yet beyond coming alongside those who are already hurting, I want to demolish the imaginary gap that has separated millions of women from true healing in the first place.
Women are often told to hide their past and not address anything that goes against the teachings of Christianity. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Hiding and denying are rooted in shame: the belief that something is so inherently wrong, so beyond hope, or so uniquely horrible that it does not have the capability or deserve the privilege of being expressed. However, in every story I read about Jesus, He always sought the least likely companions. Never once did He silence or shame anyone with a messy past or a less-than-perfect present. What He did do, though, was deflate the religious elite of His time—those who felt they were superior, infallible, or beyond reproach.
No one is perfect. Everyone falls short of the Bible’s teachings in some way, so no one maintains the right to make any woman feel “less-than” because her life is imperfect in any capacity. For me, it was incredibly freeing to accept that there was nothing I could do to disqualify me from Jesus’ love. Nothing I experienced or did would ever overpower God’s grace. Keeping my past hidden produced zero value. Instead, hiding kept me from knowing the freedom of being loved and accepted.
I want all women to know this freedom available to them, too: Despite what they may believe or what others have said, they are not “ruined,” their stories still hold potential and value, and Jesus happens to think the world of them.
Sharing the things you went through and the shame you felt allows readers to see your book as more than just information; you connect on a personal level. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing when writing about painful experiences is that there is so much pain and so little time. Drawing on the rawest fears and hesitations that held me back, I sought to confront as many possible objections and hindrances as I could that may be barring readers from finding their healing. Despite my longing to remedy their pain, I know I cannot be the ultimate one to remove their pain, for healing is a choice every woman must make for herself. Yet, since too many women feel that healing is beyond their reach, I was desperate to speak life-giving encouragement and deliver life-sustaining help to those haunted by the deepest levels of hopelessness and shame. I tried my hardest to write in a way that honors every woman with the self-worth they deserve and the power they need to banish their pain once and for all.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Assurance. Women who have suffered any form of sexual trauma will likely approach this book with only one assurance: Life is hard. While hardship will remain a fact in these women’s stories, I want a more significant, undeniable fact to dominate their lives: their stories are not over. In the deepest parts of their souls, may readers walk away with unshakeable joy stemming from the assurance of their healing—both now and forever.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Amazon
Maybe someone took your choice, or perhaps you regret the choices you made, but with dysfunctional sexual incidents on the rise, so are the numbers of women living with the shame incurred from these detrimental experiences increasing as well. Until now, your best options have remained guarding your story and masking your pain–at least, that’s what your shame insisted.
But it’s time to improve your prospects.
Your circumstances might seem too awkward or embarrassing to address, yet author Laurel Burns was once a captive of shame too. Offering discreet support, A Purely Wrong Story halts shame’s infiltration and accompanies your journey to:Acknowledge and accurately assess your experiences and the resulting trauma or guilt
Discover motivations and beliefs preventing your healing
Demolish barriers keeping you, as a non-believer or even as a believer, from approaching Scripture to access an under-emphasized game-changer
Free yourself from self-doubt while ousting shame as the defining word of your life
Why bother trying to hide or erase your life’s details when they’re perfect for writing a purely wrong story?
Given this social issue’s vast reach, A Purely Wrong Story includes reflection/discussion questions as part of its bonus material for additional growth and support. These questions are suitable for an individual’s personal development as well as a social group study. A step toward healing, in any capacity, marks progress toward eradicating sexual shame–one story, one woman, one life at a time.
You Are 100% Unique
Purpose Made: 12 Steps to Discovering Your God-given Purpose and Living an Abundant Life is a thought-provoking book that takes readers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I think most people would agree that we are living in a broken and hurting world. We are constantly bombarded with negativity – through the news, devastating weather events, personal challenges and tragedies. It’s easy to get disillusioned with life and wonder what’s it all for? There has never been a more important time to talk about, and live out, our ‘purpose’. Once you can discover the purpose that is already inside of you, your life will begin to make sense amid the chaos in the world around you. You will become outward-focused and have direction. ‘Purpose Made’ has been written for right now, at at time when people need it the most.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That you are 100% unique. There is no-one else on this planet with your set of talents, gifts, passions, loves, fire and assignments. You have been created by a loving God for a reason – a one-of-a-kind purpose that no-one else can contribute to the world. That this purpose was predestined before you were born and is waiting for you to discover what it is, and then move forward with a renewed confidence in yourself, in life, and in God. Working through ‘Purpose Made’ will bring you a sense of hope and excitement, and an understanding of why you are incredibly special.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When I write a book I keep writing until I feel the book is complete. There are no timelines or deadlines, but I know when it’s done. May aim, with ‘Purpose Made’ was to bring both a holistic and Biblical view to the topic of ‘purpose’. We often read books about gifts, or goals or self-discovery, which are great but are only components of the whole picture. ‘Purpose Made’ takes all of the many facets of purpose and weaves them together in one place, and looks at purpose through God’s eyes, using Biblical scripture as anchor points.
What is one thing that you hope the readers take away from Purpose Made?
A sense of relief. I wrote, in ‘Purpose Made’, about a study that was done to determine the best emotion, which was voted to be ‘relief’. Relief could be what it feels like when you finally get clarity on God’s purpose for your life. Or, when you start to strip away limiting mindsets and begin to move in new-found freedom. Relief could also be when you finally see yourself as God sees you – strong, amazing, loved and created for a reason.
Author Links: Website | YouTube | Instagram
Did you know that you are special? You are unique.
There is no one on this great, big, beautiful planet like you. In all eternity, there has never been another person with your unique DNA; your set of experiences; and your combination of gifts, talents and passions.
Did you also know that God knew exactly the circumstances you would be born into, the people you would grow up with, go to school with, socialise and work with? Your place in time is no accident.
You have been created to make a never-seen-before (and never-to-be-seen-again) contribution to this world – your world. But what if you don’t know your gifts or purpose? This book will give you a 12-step guide to help you sort through your unknowns, doubts and past and help you see yourself as God sees you – an incredible person He created on purpose and for a purpose.
That’s you, purpose made.
A Purely Wrong Story
A Purely Wrong Story, authored by Laurel Burns, is a nuanced spiritual self-help book tailored for women grappling with the aftermath of sexual shame. Burns bravely shares her personal journey, detailing her experiences of betrayal by a trusted friend and the ensuing challenges. The narrative is interwoven with biblical verses, offering a perspective on how spirituality and faith can be instrumental in overcoming the mental anguish and guilt associated with sexual impurity.
The book’s format is thoughtfully designed to function as both a guide and a therapeutic workbook. Each chapter concludes with reflective questions, encouraging introspection and personal growth. Additionally, Burns includes a comprehensive directory of resources, such as contact information for immediate assistance, making this book a practical tool for those in need. Burns approaches the heavy subject matter with an air of optimism and resilience. Her engaging writing style, interspersed with light-hearted humor, fosters a sense of conversing with a compassionate confidante. She delves into the complex repercussions of sexual abuse, such as dissociation and increased promiscuity, sensitively addressing societal misconceptions around these issues. Burns thoughtfully addresses the complex balance between acknowledging the abuser as “the enemy” and the journey toward forgiveness, a nuanced approach that adds depth to her guidance. Her book is rich with sound advice, deeply rooted in scripture, and presented in an accessible manner. With relatable examples, she skillfully categorizes these insights under various headings, making it easy for readers to find guidance tailored to their specific emotional needs.
A Purely Wrong Story is primarily directed to a specific demographic: heterosexual Christian women. I believe that the author’s stance on topics such as premarital and casual sex may not resonate with all readers, particularly those with more liberal views. Nonetheless, for its intended audience, Laurel Burns’ book provides a heartfelt and empathetic guide for navigating a path that leads to healing and self-acceptance.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0CPT9Y41C
Purpose Made: 12 steps to discovering your God-given purpose and living an abundant life
In Purpose Made: 12 Steps to Discovering Your God-given Purpose and Living an Abundant Life, Sarah Ritchie offers an insightful exploration into finding and embracing one’s purpose, tailored for a diverse audience navigating various life stages. The book serves as a beacon of motivation, encouraging readers to perceive life from a fresh perspective. Ritchie’s approach is both nurturing and instructive, providing wisdom and a practical roadmap for overcoming life’s hurdles.
Ritchie begins with a fundamental question, “Why are we here?” which, though common, she delves into with a thought-provoking depth. The discussion extends beyond a simple existential query, prompting readers to introspect about their existence, purpose, and potential to make an impact. Ritchie’s narrative is anchored in a Christian worldview but is inclusive, emphasizing the uniqueness and significance of every individual, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The core of Ritchie’s book is her 12-step framework, which comprehensively addresses various aspects of self-discovery and personal growth. The steps encompass understanding one’s foundational values, personality traits, innate gifts, talents, passions, and practical skills. Ritchie clearly distinguishes between gifts and talents, an often confusing concept for many. The inclusion of the ‘Purpose Discovery Wheel’ is a notable feature, offering readers a visual tool to better comprehend and apply the book’s teachings.
Ritchie’s writing is not limited to the 12 steps; she also touches upon essential themes like faith, making informed life choices, understanding modern-day pitfalls, and the importance of personal journey and letting go. The book is imbued with spiritual references, skillfully balanced with practical advice. Ritchie’s ability to weave spiritual elements with real-world guidance makes Purpose Made a compelling read for those seeking both spiritual and practical wisdom.
Purpose Made is more than a self-help guide; it is a journey of introspection and enlightenment. Ritchie’s narrative is both uplifting and grounding, making the book a valuable resource for anyone at a crossroads or in search of deeper meaning in life.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B0CL32Y2M3
Wisdom Is The Principal Thing
Biblical Keys to Life is a self-help book for Christian readers to help them understand their purpose in life and help them on their journey of self-discovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was an important book for me to write because given the complexity of life and the Bible and with so much misinformation in the world, millions of Christians and people still struggle to understand God and the meaning of life. As humans, we have so many questions that never seem to be answered simply and directly, with scripture to back it up. According to Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” God blessed me with the gifts of wisdom and understanding as well as a gift to simplify complex concepts. I felt it was important to provide every person with the opportunity to acquire the understanding and answers they need in order to live happy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives and bypass many of the typical problems we face as human beings, most of which are from our own actions and lack of understanding.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some ideas that were important for me to share in this book were: why life sucks and what we can do to fix it. Also, understanding God, His commandments, what they really mean, and the appropriate way to approach and perceive life and life’s circumstances.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
One piece of advice that changed my life was a quote from Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
One thing I hope readers take away from my book is that we have more control over the quality of our lives than we give ourselves credit for. If life sucks, we play a major factor in that. We are capable of living happy and fulfilling lives, and it isn’t as difficult as we think. We just need to know the truth and the simple keys in this book, which hold the power to uncomplicating and enriching our lives.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
When it comes to God, we want to know what to believe-Is He really real and what’s He really like?
When it comes to life, we want to know, “What’s the point of it and how to find happiness?”
We want to know why life sucks and how to fix it!
When it comes to mankind, we want to know, “What’s wrong with people? Why do people do what they do?”
We even have trouble understanding ourselves at times and we want to know, “What in the world is wrong with me?”
Well, been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
From a world of confusion to a life of clarity, I’ve got the blueprint. If you’re ready to stop being a part of the crowd and find out what few understand about God, life, and mankind, this book is for you. This book is also for everyone you know!
What you will receive from this book can be summed up in one word.
Answers.
No decoding, no special formulas, no beating around the bush. Straight with no chaser; to the point, clear cut answers. You will no longer find yourself asking, “Why? Why? Why?” You will walk away with clarity that will turn your life completely around. If you’re tired of feeling clueless and are ready to stop settling for the usual, “That’s just life” explanations, open this page-turner and get ready to find out…
What’s the deal with God, man, and this thing called life?
LITERARY TITAN 