As a mom,very rarely do I have the time to sit down and read a book. If I ever do get a couple minutes to myself I either want to sleep or watch mindless tv. Judge me if you want, but more than likely you’re here because you saw me on a reality show so I’m guessing we’re all in this together, right?
It wasn’t until I started reading “Unglued” by Lysa TerKeurst, that I don’t think I looked up once during the long flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte.With every page I felt the Lord speaking to me in such a huge way that I knew He put this book in front of me on purpose. I was going through a lot of changes in my life, dealing with a lot of pressure, and honestly wasn’t sure what I was doing anymore. At the same time I was trying to be the best mom, friend, daughter, and every other badge we wear as women that I knew I was going to lose it at any minute and something had to change. I just didn’t know what.
I had prayed for clarity, peace, direction, grace, and every other cliche thing we pray for when things get hard. After reading”Unglued” I realized the only thing that needed to change was my attitude. I know some Christian books can come across as “preachy” or like we’re all supposed to be perfect, but Lysa isn’t afraid to admit her flaws, struggles, and just all together embarrassing moments that we all have as humans. Change isn’t always a bad thing and even when things get hard, if you just remember not only who you are but (more importantly) WHOSE you are, you’ll receive the clarity and grace that only God’s love can give.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book..
“Feelings are indicators, not dictators. They can indicate where your heart is in the moment, but that doesn’t mean they have the right to dictate your behavior and boss you around. You are more than the sum total of your feelings and perfectly capable of that little gift . . . called self-control.”
“The one who holds the tongue, holds the power.”
“Becoming unglued is glorious if he end result of that brokenness leads us to holiness.”
“I may not gentle by nature but I can be gentle by obedience.”
“I give grace because I so desperately need it.”
Ok, I know. I could seriously quote the whole book but then what would be the point in you reading it? Have any of you read any good books lately? Let me know in the comments!
Love all of those quotes. I think I’m going to have to read this book. Thank’s for the suggestion Emily 🙂
I love Lysa! All of her books are excellent! 🙂
Thanks for the book recommendation. Sounds like every mom should read this. I also want to thank you for speaking about your faith. It doesn’t seem like that happens in our world today, so it is refreshing to see someone with your ‘platform’ expressing her love for such an awesome God! Thanks again and God bless!
Sparkly green earrings by melanie shankle. It is a must, it is all about motherhood/ inspiration, it is written so well, and I laughed out load while reading it! Also, I am reading a Million miles in a thousand years and it is incredible! All about learning to live a better story and realizing that we want a good story! I am going to order this book you recommended, thanks so much!
xoxo
Crystal from MN
I always love a good book!!
thanks for the recommendation!
if you want a light hearted book, I loved ” I didn’t plan to be a witch’, by Linda Eyre, I love her books!!!
Just recently heard of a friend reading this! Sounds great! Love Does by Bob Goff is another great read. Love your site!
Joc
oooh i have been wanting to read this book! Thanks for the recommendation! I just started “Bread & Wine” by Shauna Niequist and it’s fabulous so far. My all time fav. is actually by her dad, Bill Hybels “Too Busy Not To Pray”.
Joyce Meyer’s “Battlefield of the Mind” is wonderful 🙂 It has really helped me a lot!
I just finished Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle. It’s a great encouraging book for mothers. SO funny too!! I am now reading What Women Fear by Angie Smith. She is such an amazing writer and so good at sharing her faith. All of her books are great. Highly recommend!!
Emily, you should read “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” by Kamal Ravikant. This book absolutely changed my life..big time! I’m glad you found something that spoke to you and resounded with what you were going through at that moment. Keep up the amazing attitude!
Love Does by Bob Goff changed my life. It’s amazing how God uses others to speak into our lives. This book is amazing and expresses that love is an action and how we live that out. Every chapter I read it was speaking into a part of my life. It is also packed full of the many adventures he has been on. I love reading scripture because it too speaks into our lives at different seasons but I love how followers of the Lord can also speak truth in our lives from their encounters with the Lord. Thanks for posting about this book and your faith!
Kisses from Katie
I’m totally reading this now and just finished a 6 week study of it – fantastic!!
Kisses from Katie was a life-changing book for me. Will check out this one!
Crazy Love by Francis Chan is a MUST READ! It will challenge you and encourage you all at the same time 🙂
Craig Groeschel’s newest book Altar Ego is awesome!
I gave my copy away to my friend because I wanted to spread the love! Now I want it back! 😉 Lysa is one of those women of faith that I feel speaks to me and has it all right. I can’t wait to read Unglued again!!
Loved Sparkly Green Earrings!! Will be rereading it! I have given the book with a cute pair of sparkly green earrings as a gift too! Also, highly recommend Desperate by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae- awesome and encouraging book!
I loved this book too! I highly recommend Love Does, by Bob Goff, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller. These two authors have changed my life forever. (Others have already mentioned these.) Also loved loved loved Kisses from Katie and One Thousand Gifts from Ann Voskamp. So glad you felt encouraged and challenged by Lysa.
Love your website Emily. Have always been a bachelorette fan and a fan of yours! In going through such a painful time right now regarding a soon to be seperation between my significant other and I. Trying to get inspiration and courage to move forward with a six year relationship that is leading nowhere 🙁 help! Love Mandy
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m always looking for a good new book to read! The book that really changed my life is called “Captivating” by John and Stacey Eldridge. It really changed my perspective on everything about my life – most importantly who I am through the eyes of God. It’s amazing and there’s a wonderful journal that can be done with it as well. Check it out if you want! Happy May!
Claire
Thanks so much for sharing this great book Emily! I love how honest and genuine you are when it comes to being the best person you can be! I recently read the book “Perfectly Yourself” by Matthew Kelly http://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Yourself-Lessons-Enduring-Happiness/dp/0345494520 You would love it soooo much!!! It was so wonderful and truly inspired me to be the best version of me! Enjoy XO
Lynsey ~ Frou Frou & Frills
Emily, I love this book too and the devotional just dropped. Lysa is incredible and her books speak right to my heart as well. I got the chills reading your post because it’s exactly the way I felt when I read this book. Thanks for sharing!!
I am definitely putting that book on my must-read list, especially after reading those quotes. Thanks for sharing!! Have you heard of J.I. Packer? He is a Christian author and I was just reading a quote of his that I think really relates to what you quoted from Unglued.
“The reason why the Bible spends so much of its time reiterating that God is a strong rock, a firm defense, and a sure refuge and help for the weak is that God spends so much of His time showing us that we are weak, both mentally and morally, and dare not trust ourselves to find our follow the right road. When we walk along a clear road feeling fine, and someone takes our arm to help us, we likely would impatiently shake him off; but when we are caught in rough country in the dark with a storm brewing and our strength spent, and someone takes our arm to help us, we would thankfully lean on him. And God wants us to feel that our way through life is rough and perplexing, so that we may learn to lean on Him thankfully.”
Thankful for the bright light you are, Emily! Keep shining for Him!
Crazy Love by Francis Chan is a great read!
I enjoy mindless tv myself, its a way to wind down and forget about everything else.
Lovely book. Thank you for the indirect recommendation! A book I just read that just kind of makes you think about life is called “The End of Your Life Book Club” by Will Schwalbe. It’s a true story of his mothers struggle with cancer. Beautifully written book.
Thanks for sharing, I really needed to hear the first quote! An awesome book to read (one of my all time favorites) is “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. She is also a Christian author.
Thank you for sharing yourself so honestly and openly. You are a beautiful encouragement to others. I will look for this book now and plan to share it with my daughters.
Thanks for the recommendation Emily! Definitely going to check this book out. It’s so refreshing to hear a public figure speak openly about their faith.
I have also read “Redeeming Love” and thought is was great. I will definitely be getting that sparkly green earrings book. LOL. I just finished “Fifty Shades of Grey” I didn’t want to be the only person who hasn’t read it. Let’s just say, the sex scenes were alright, but the book was a complete let down. I will not be reading the rest. OOOPS! This is probably a christian book suggestion and Fifty is not one of those. I am need of a good CHRISTIAN book so no one asks me the last book I read and I have to say FIFTY SHADES out loud! lol. Thanks Em for the review and suggestion! I love a book that changes your life after it’s read. Even if you have learned a few new words….bonus!!!
I recently read the Christian historical fiction book “Redeeming Love,” based on the book of Hosea in the bible. I’m not usually a big historical fiction fan but I LOVED it! So inspiring and a great read.
This looks like a great good! Thanks for sharing Emily!
xoxo Annaliese
I love these quotes! May have to facebook one today! I recently got two books “Live Second” and “I am Second” by Doug Bender. Stories of people whose lives have been changed by Christ and are learning to live second!
Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg – easy and enjoyable read for women who want to have a full life as well as career; without one coming at the expense of the other.
Sounds like a great book. Another book that is a MUST and helped me through one of the worst times of my life is ‘The Road Less Travelled’ by Scott Peck. It really was a life saver and changer for me.
Anything by Jennie Allen. She is a new female Bible study writer I found from a Beth Moore tweet. The book is an absolute gem, and I quote her often in my seventh grade Bible class at Charlotte Christian.
You are so on track. I was looking for the title: “How Loving One Woman for the Rest of My life has been Abundantly Awesome”, with you and I as the main characters. Now, that would be a good book. Another love you blog.
The last book I read was, “To Dance with the White Dog”. Had me in tears. Love your blog:).
This sounds so good! I’ve been looking for a good, uplifting read. This one will definitely be on my list. Thanks for the recommendation!
The last lecture by Randy Pausch!
Hey Emily – Your blog post was awesome 🙂 I am currently reading “Beautiful Outlaw” by John Eldredge! It is great and presents Jesus in a totally awesome light! Also, “Destined To Reign” by Joseph Prince is pretty awesome too!!
Have a great week and thanks for letting your light shine so bright!
U ROCK!
Hi Emily! This is a special book, and Lysa writes from a perspective that resonates with women and Christians in general. Another book that is getting some terrific feedback from Christian moms and their daughters is Miss Priss in the Kindle store. It is a fun book that has lots to say about relationships, fashion, and family dynamics. Enjoy! 🙂
Well said!! I am going to have to read this book now! 🙂 I also love the book “When God Calls Your Name” by Max Lucado. Excellent author! check him out.
<3
I recently read “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed and would absolutely recommend it to anyone, particularly those experiencing life struggles. It is a memoir of a woman who chronicles her solo hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and through her journey discovers more than she ever though she could about herself and the direction her life was meant to go in. Truly a great read! 🙂
Emily,
First of all, Thank you for writing a blog about faith/God, other than just fashion/make-up tips!! I haven’t read the book, ‘Unglued’…that’ll be the next book to read soon. The book that I love, that helps me through difficult times, (beside reading the Bible, which help me a Great deal ), is a book by John & Stasi Eldredge, ‘Captivation, Revealing the Mystery Of A Woman’s Soul’. Every Woman of Faith should read this! 🙂
God Bless! <3
Oops. I said the wrong title of a book lol! It’s, Captivating **Unveiling* (not revealing) The Mystery of a Woman’s Soul. lol
I really enjoyed Gabrielle Reece’s new book My Foot Is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life. It’s not a religious book, but it’s about her life as a wife, mother and strong woman with her head on straight. I liked the take on relationship roles…made a lot of sense to me in my own family.
I can’t wait to read this book! Great suggestion, Emily!
Confident Heart by Renee Swope is a great book and bible study.
I have just started reading and doing the bible study online (optional)
and it is awesome!
You would love Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Kisses From Katie, Crazy Love by Francis Chan…also, regarding raising little girls: Keeping in the Little in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh is a must-read. Thanks so much for the great post!!
Emily, I really enjoyed reading this post! While we think we “know” someone because we saw them on tv, we never truly know personal things such as faith! Thank you for sharing! You truly are an inspiration to women and the modern family! Way to keep the faith and have God at your side!
laceofhearts.blogspot.com
Hey Emily,
I am reading ‘Half the Sky’ by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn at the moment and it is really eye opening. It’s about the oppression and human right abuses against women worldwide. There are so many heroes in this book. The stories of these women, who have endured the most horrific circumstances and tragedies, are truly inspiring. I can’t even imagine how they had the strength, bravery and will to live after everything they’ve been through.
It’s heartbreaking but such an important issue.
I love what you said about seeing you on a reality show, because your totally right people judge the people strong enough to handle the public eye. Your a wonderful woman and mother and I really look up to you. I have been struggling with different aspects in my life so I think I will grab this book tomorrow. Thank you!
Love the suggestion! you have to read Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist! They are both magnificent!
With all the pressures (both that I put on myself and feel others place on me) my mentor and I have just started going through the group guide. I appreciate your honesty in your posts, as well as the author’s honesty in her book. Imperfect progress- keep up the great work, Emily!
I think it’s so cool someone who has captivated the
world with her beauty and elegance truly knows the Lord
and admits her need for Him. Keep using your platform. I
bought this book and also recommend “same kind of different
as me”–my favorite book of all time. It’ll change your life.
Emily I really admire that you are so open about your faith! You are so incredibly beautiful inside and out and I really look up to you! Thanks for this post, I definitely want to read the book! I dont know if you have ever herd of Joseph Prince or read any of his books but you would love him, his book Destined to Reign is my personal favorite! He talks a lot about the grace of God and how it is ok to make mistakes because no matter what we do God will always see us as perfect and righteous children. I just think thats the most freeing revelation! Thanks again for the post!
I was so excited to see this post! I’m interning with Lysa this summer and couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her and Proverbs31 Ministries. I’m currently about half-way through Unglued myself, and there is so much truth and so much to learn as a student, even not being married or having any kids yet.
xx
http://thepocketbookblogg.blogspot.com/
My good friend Courtney has a wonderful & encouraging blog….www.WomenLivingWell.org. She’s coming out with a book in the fall, but in the meantime you can read her weekly posts at her website:) She also has a sister site if you’re interested in an online bible study…www.GoodMorningGirls.org! Praying for you Emily:)
Blessings~
Katina
Going to church in the Charlotte Metro area definitely has its perks. I was able to hear Lysa preach one Sunday at Elevation Church. She is an awesome mother and role model. The Lord has definitely blessed her in many areas of her life! She has an incredible way of allowing the Lord to speak through her! Love love love this book!
Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis… life-changing!
So good a friend mailed it to me across the state. It is inspiring, encouraging, and just opens your eyes to what our purpose truly is. LOVE IT!
I thought Grooming the Next Generation for Success by Dani Johnson was a great book, especially for a mom 🙂
I know a bunch of girls have already said this but Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge ( we read it in our small group, so great read for a group of women), any of Shauna Niequists books especially Bittersweet and I love the book When life’s not working: 7 simple choices for a better tomorrow, it’s by the senior pastor at our church Eagle Brook in MN!
Emily, thanks for posting this book! I love the first quote about feelings and can totally relate to it!
Thank you for this recommendation 🙂 I got the book and finished reading it in just a few days. It was REALLY good. I haven’t read through a book so quickly in quite awhile.
Thank you for the suggestion of this book!
I say Crazy Love by Francis Chan and also recommend watching some of his video’s on YouTube. He makes you see things in another way and is just amazing!!
Thank you so much for sharing this book. I picked it up a few days ago at the bookstore based on your suggestion-the timing on it was truly a blessing.
Kisses from Katie
Redeeming Love
both are awesome books that are hard to put down! 🙂
Out live your life by max lacudo
Please keep writing posts with your Christian advice! I love it and am soo inspired by you and your walk with God! You are absolutely beautiful inside and out! God created you with such a great purpose! Thanks for the advice!
LOVE DOES, by Bob Goff.
You won’t be able to put it down. And you won’t be the same after reading it.
Remember: these aren’t labels we carry around with us. These are things we’re identifying about ourselves so we can bring our raw emotions and unglued reactions under the healing revelations of Jesus.
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer helped me listen to his Gods sweet and gentle voice. The voice always directing me.
thanks for being shameless about your faith!!
Thanks for that! It’s just the answer I neeedd.
life changing book when the opening sentence screams out to be highlighted and underlined!
To be honest, I was here on your page because you were on a reality TV show! It’s funny you mentioned that, but anyway as I was reading this page I really liked the book you recommended. I am the person who wears her emotions on her sleeve, and I am trying to practice more self control. Not everyone that talks to me at work in the morning, for example, should know what I am feeling when I feel it. I will definitely pick this up and read it since I am a modern day Christian young woman battling against the world it seems like sometimes. I don’t need someone to judge, just need someone who is real! 🙂 Personally, I think you handled yourself really well on the show and I hope you find what you are looking for! 🙂
I was looking for a good book to read on my flight to visit my parents next week so thank you for this suggestion! I’m going to Target to get it now! But I also just read the book Jesus Is by Judah Smith! So good! I think you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
If you are looking for inspirational books, check out author Gabrielle Bernstein. Try reading Add More Ing To Your Life and Spirit Junkie. She truely changed my outlook on life, love and who I am. She is more spiritual in her writings. If you want a good love story, I just finished Nicholas Sparks book The Choice. It’s a good read too! Happy reading! 🙂
LOVE Lysa! Renee Swope has a good book out “A Confident Heart” I love the Proverbs 31 ministry girls. You ought to join them! If I was near Matthews, NC I would! They need some late 20’s early 30’s that are mom’s in the ministry.
I am a true Bookie! So excited to read this! You should check out Edenbrooke! Amazing Book!
Secret Daughter – Shilpi Somaya Gowda 🙂
My boyfriend’s mother and I both read “Same Kind of Different As Me” by Ron Hall while on vacation last month. Emily, it is also a wonderful book (extremely moving true story of how two people came to know each other- the haves and haves nots) and a quick read for a busy woman! I will have to check out this book that you have recommended. Sounds like a great read.
Hi Emily! So nice to find your blog. I heard Lysa on Focus on the Family, she is an amazing speaker and author and I will definitely pick up her book. I actually lived in Charlotte for 4 years from 2004-2008 but was so overcome with homesickness I had to move back to Boston. I loved Charlotte and still miss the shopping and large Christian Bookstores. Also attended Central Church and loved the preaching and choir. Glad you are doing well, and will follow your blog..love, love the make-up and fashion tips! Keep them coming, God bless you and your beautiful daughter!
Sharon
I just finished reading Love Does by Bob Goff! A few people have already mentioned this book above, and that makes me happy! Anyway, I love a good quote, so I’ll share a few!
“…when God is big enough and loves me enough to say He forgives me, I should actually believe Him. I mean, I shouldn’t keep feeling bad about all of the times I’ve messed up because that’s ignoring what God said…”
“I especially see evidence of God in other people’s lives. What’s beautiful about them always looks an awful lot like God to me.”
“Jesus said that unless you know Him like a child you’ll never really know Him at all. Kids don’t care about facts, and they certainly don’t study each other. They’re just with each other; they do stuff together. That’s what Jesus had in mind.”
xo
“She’s Got Issues” By Nicole Unice is an awesome book for not just Mom’s but all women out there!!
Reedeming Love by Francine Rivers ! Can read it over and over 🙂
Hi!
Seven by Jen Hatmaker.
SO GOOD!!!!