I don't know about you, but I enjoy reading books that help me see things more clearly, give me direction, and rely heavily on Scripture to guide me. I realize the Bible is more than sufficient, but sometimes reading an author's thoughts puts things in perspective...
I've spent so many years of my life, performing and obeying for approval. Working myself to death for a morsel of self-acceptance, delivered by someone else to me. Striving to put forth the image of the woman who has it all together.
Honestly, if I did have it all together, I'd set it down somewhere and forget where it was! Once that soaked in to my soul, the pretense was gone (for the most part) and real life settled in.
I still struggle with perfection, which was why I was so grateful to receive a copy of "The Relief of Imperfection" by Joan C. Webb. Joan uses real life anecdotes and Scripture to reveal the joy of our imperfection is His perfection revealed in us.
Her book is divided into multiple sections for personal or small group study, beginning with "Preparing for Relief...What's Wrong with Perfection"? Yes, dear reader friends...we have to prepare ourselves to be imperfect.
When you begin to read, you realize just how ingrained it is in us to put out the "June Cleaver" mom, the "Donna Reed" wife, and the "Martha Stewart" homemaker. But Joan's wisdom and insight slowly unshackles us from those heavy yokes and sets us free to be...
Well, us! And it feels weird at first, to just be yourself in Jesus...but you get used to it!
Joan's message is serious and intense, but her writing style is laced with humor. Just take a look at some chapter titles: "I Was Perfect Once, But I Didn't Like It Much"; "When Playing God Is No Longer My Best Role".
Now, I highly recommend that you read this book with your Bible, a journal and a highlighter nearby. Of course, you have total and complete freedom to read this book how it suits you...isn't that GREAT!!
So, I'm giving "The Relief of Imperfection" six out of five bookmarks, with a tiny mirror as a charm...it's time we got to know ourselves through Jesus' eyes, and not our own...or the eyes of others.
Thanks, Joan! You're perfectly imperfect!! LOL!! Love ya!
Happy Reading!
Deena
P.S. Joan has offered TWO copies of her book as giveaways...so leave me a comment and I'll pick a winner on March 15th!!
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19 comments:
Hi Deena!
Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona where I'm babysitting my three little grandsons. I just got them all in bed and that's quite the accomplishment!
Thanks for your great review of my new book, The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right.
I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the book. Sounds like we have a few things in common. Someday it would be fun to sit and chat over coffee (or my favorite chai tea!)
You're right, there's no "perfect" way to read the "Relief" book. In chronological order or out of order, in bits and pieces or all at once. It doesn't matter.
Thanks for the six out of five bookmarks with a tiny mirror as a charm. I'm smiling here.
Your words are so affirming: you're perfectly imperfect! THX.
Your readers can find more about The Relief of Imperfection and my speaking schedule and see my fun photos of landscapes and flowers on my websites and blog. www.joancwebb.com or www.reliefofimperfection.blogspot.com or www.reliefofimperfection.com or www.intentionalwoman.com
Thank you, Deena. I appreciate you!
Relief blessings,
Joan C. Webb, Author of The Relief of Imperfection
Hi Deena
Enter me please. :)
Thank you.
Hello! Another wonderful sounding book. I love to read inspirational books. To me, I need all the help I can get! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I'd like to be included! tWarner419@aol.com
This sounds like an interesting book. I appreciate the chance at winning a copy of it.
Thanks! ~Crystal M.
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
This sounds like just the type of book I have been searching for.
This sounds great! Sign me up!!
please enter me, the book looks really great!
Please enter me. Did you pick the winner of the "Stuck in the Middle" Book. I must have missed it.
Marilyn
fmartin816 at comcast dot net
I'd love to win, so please count me in! Thanks so much for the chance!
Jennifer :-)
Deena,
I need this book badly!!! Please toss my name in the hat!
Kim
kimfurd (at) hotmail (dot) com
Deena, Thanks for another chance to win a book, I think my wife would enjoy this one. Keep up the great reviews!!!!
Please enter me in the drawing...thanks!
Please enter me to win a copy of The Relief of Imperfection ~ it sounds like a wonderful read!
I would love to win this book. I've struggled with perfection all my life and am trying to learn to live with imperfection. This book would be a big help.
njones127 at tampabay dot rr dot com
I need a book like this right now. Pleae enter me.
pristinechristmas at yahoo dot com
Thank you for having a giveaway... as a person who likes things perfect ~~ and sees black and white all too clearly for their own good ~~ I would love to read this book.
Great books! I'd like to enter your drawing, too!
dbstout[at]juno[dot]com
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