Extreme Makeover: Life Edition PReview One--Connecting Women by Linda Lesniewski

I have a few books I'd like to share with you as we approach January 1, 2008. A new year is always a time of reflection and a time when I desire to make changes in my life. Not resolutions, but changes.

I want to draw closer to God. I want to be more in love with my husband, and spend more time with my children. I want to take better care of myself, and to find more richness in God's Word.

Maybe you feel the same way (maybe not:-). So, here are a few of the books on my "Extreme Makeover: Life Edition" shelf that I hope to complete this year...I'm giving you a little preview, and a sneak peek at what I think of each.



First up is a book titled "Connecting Women" by Linda Lesniewski. I lead the women's ministry at our church, and I'm always searching for and praying for ways to help our women feel connected and purposeful both to Christ and to one another. To me, that's the only way life has any meaning at all.

Linda's book describes how women work together to not only make a difference, but to be the hands and feet of Jesus to one another and to those who don't know Him. She states that leading a women's ministry takes more than just a kind heart...it takes effort and work.

I wholeheartedly agree. I know of one particular woman in our church who made a HUGE difference in the life of a young woman who's car just "happened" to break down in front of her house. It's an amazing story, and you'll find stories just like the one I know of personally in this book.

Whether you're a women's ministry leader or not, I think you'll grow from reading this book. You'll read how to nurture your own spiritual life, which is key to reaching out to others--you can't give what you ain't got!

You'll also read about submitting yourself to your church authority (which we need to do), as well as how to keep ministry fresh and creative. There's practical chapters on budgeting and on partnering with other churches in ministry.

Now, remember, this is only a preview...I haven't read the entire book just yet. I plan on giving you a full review with my opinions and ratings as the year progresses. But from the few chapters I've read, I think it's a book worth taking a closer look at.

Filled with stories of real people and real events, this isn't just theory, this is life lived out. Published by Baker Books, I encourage you to take a look at our first Extreme Makeover: Life Edition book for 2008.

Come back by tomorrow for another Extreme Makeover: Life Edition PReview...and yes, I'll even have one or two for the guys! Plus, you never know...I may just offer a giveaway:-)

Happy Reading!

Deena