Friday, May 30, 2014

Space for Love

Last week I wrote about how I am trying to find my own spiritual whitespace. This new book and community are changing my views of rest and God so much. I feel the opportunities to grow and learn and endless these days!!

Just like Bonnie Gray suggested, I planned out for myself specific times to rest. I took a walk out by a lake and really looked at the trees and grass around me, instead of just focusing on the pavement. I lit a candle and read my book while savoring a cup of coffee.

I have SO much to learn and experience on this journey to rest. I crave making my time more intentional and focused.

But....

But I also realized that on this Journey to Rest, I have been focusing on me, me, me. I DO need to discover myself, I DO need to learn so much more about myself and who I am in Christ. BUT I am not the only one who needs the time and space to discover this.

So one morning, I kicked my hubby out on an errand to get some donuts (yes. Donuts. I haven't had them in forever so :p). But while he was gone I set up our kitchen table as a warm, inviting place for him to eat breakfast, relax, and spend some time completely to himself. I lit a candle, brewed some coffee, and even tidied the living room a bit so the clutter wouldn't distract him (but as you can see by Baby's sippy cup on the table..I didn't do a perfect job:)). Then while he was eating I kept Baby with me in the bedroom so Hubby could have some peace.

Doing this for my husband took me out and away from myself. I realized that my Hubby, who works so hard to provide for his family, needs rest just as much as me. I overlook this sometimes because he is an extrovert that loves his family so much.



Finding and experiencing rest will be an always transforming, fluid journey I think. There are so many ways to discover Jesus in our small little worlds, that just this small step of branching out and discovering Jesus in the world of another person....blew my mind. It brought me such JOY. What does it say about me that I experienced such JOY in serving my Husband?? Something good I hope, but I know also that it speaks to my selfish-ness.

I am wrapped up in me. But that is okay. Why? Because just by knowing this, admitting this, Jesus is slowly unraveling me. JESUS will be my source of rest and strength, and through Him...all things are possible.

ComeToMe_BonnieGray_Rest
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Whitespace Community Linkup @ faithbarista.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014

BEA: Beyond the Borders

I think there are a few people like me out there, people who haven't read a lot of diverse books. Is this purposeful? No. I would books that featured diversity if they appealed to me, just as I would read any book that appeals to me. I don't often go out of my way to read books on a certain topic or culture. Perhaps I should...that is why reading through some of the BEA posts today has been so much fun! I have loved the creativity and all the book recommendations!

The first thing I thought of when I thought of 'Beyond Borders' were the books that I have read that feature Africa and poverty. I may not seek out books that teach me specifically about another culture or world, but I do like books that teach me something deeper, books that have a deep meaning. 

Here are a few faves: 

Hope Runs: An American Tourist, a Kenyan Boy, a Journey of Redemption
Hope Runs by Claire Diaz-Ortiz and Samuel Ikua Gachagua
Goodreads Summary:
Sammy Ikua Gachagua had lost his father to illness, his mother to abandonment, and his home to poverty. By age ten, he was living in a shack with seven other children and very little food. He entered an orphanage seeing it as a miracle with three meals a day, a bed to sleep in, and clothes on his back. 
When Claire Diaz-Ortiz arrived in Kenya at the end of an around-the-world journey, she decided to stay the night, climb Mt. Kenya, then head back home. She entered an orphanage seeing it as little more than a free place to spend the night before her mountain trek. 
God had other plans. 
"
Hope Runs "is the emotional story of an American tourist, a Kenyan orphan, and the day that would change the course of both of their lives forever. It's" "about what it means to live in the now when the world is falling down around you. It's about what it means to hope for the things you cannot see. Most of all, it's about how God can change your life in the blink of an eye.
I have a review coming up for this one sometime in the next week, so look for my more in depth thoughts then. However, this book made me take a hard look at what is really most beneficial for children in third world countries: my money or week long missions trips. A lot to chew on!

Baking Cakes in Kigali
Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin
Goodreads Summary:
Once in a great while a debut novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, who takes us to bold new places and into previously unimaginable lives. Gaile Parkin is just such a talent—and Baking Cakes in Kigali is just such a novel. This gloriously written tale—set in modern-day Rwanda—introduces one of the most singular and engaging characters in recent fiction: Angel Tungaraza—mother, cake baker, keeper of secrets—a woman living on the edge of chaos, finding ways to transform lives, weave magic, and create hope amid the madness swirling all around her.

In Kigali, Angel runs a bustling business: baking cakes for all occasions—cakes filled with vibrant color, buttery richness, and, most of all, a sense of hope only Angel can deliver.…A CIA agent’s wife seeks the perfect holiday cake but walks away with something far sweeter…a former boy-soldier orders an engagement cake, then, between sips of tea, shares an enthralling story…weary human rights workers…lovesick limo drivers. Amid this cacophony of native tongues, love affairs, and confessions, Angel’s kitchen is an oasis where people tell their secrets, where hope abounds and help awaits.

In this unlikely place, in the heart of Rwanda, unexpected things are beginning to happen: A most unusual wedding is planned…a heartbreaking mystery—involving Angel’s own family—unravels…and extraordinary connections are being made among the men and women who have tasted Angel’s beautiful cakes…as a chain of events unfolds that will change Angel’s life—and the lives of those around her—in the most astonishing ways
 I really enjoyed the premise of this book: a woman gets a glimpse of Rwanda through the families and people who come and order cakes from her.  Angel is from Tanzania so we get to see a bit of both Tanzanian culture and Rwandan culture as well. But because we are hearing the stories of her customers, we are seeing so much more. We see the lives of those who live there, those who are forced to live there, and all the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
Goodreads Summary:
What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disobey and disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved, so broken by the people and the children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. Her story is like Mother Teresa’s in that she has given up everything—at such a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, has gone on to adopt 14 children during her time in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family, which includes children with special needs. 

To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponors worldwide. Each sponsor's $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda's poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate for food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.

Katie Davis, now 21, is more than fascinating, she's inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve.
What more can I say? That summary tells it all!!

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker 
Goodreads Summary:
American life can be excessive, to say the least. That’s what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her family’s upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called “rich” by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born.

7 is the true story of how Jen (along with her husband and her children to varying degrees) took seven months, identified seven areas of excess, and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.

Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.” So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God—a call toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to become a radically better existence.
This one may seem an odd choice after the others. But 7 really opened my eyes a lot to the way I live my life. Jen Hatmaker is just a 'regular', albeit hilarious, woman living in Austen, Texas. However, Hatmaker decides to embark on a 7 month long journey and look deep at how they have been living their lives in such excess. Reading this caused me to look at my own life and inspired me to make changes to better others and myself. I am reading it through a second time right now with friends and feeling inspired all over again!

I hope these books inspire you to reach out to your fellow man. If you have any more recommendations, let me know!!! 


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

BEA: Expanding Blogging Horizons

When I think about expanding blogging horizons, I think of anything that goes beyond the blogging atmosphere. Vlogging and podcasting are new and fun ways to add an element to your repertoire, and it something I would love to try and do one day. But I think expanding blogging horizons goes beyond that even. I think it means to actually reach out and connect personally with other bloggers, and even better connect in real life (inrl).

Just last month I participated in a conference called inRL 2014 where hundreds of women met and connected to talk real life. It was amaze-balls. Yes. I said that. That's how good it was. To me, that is a fantastic example of expanding past regular blogging horizons. If some amazingly talented book blogger wanted to organize a video conference, 1. Credit me ;), 2. Sign me up! So many of us turn to blogging to connect with like-minded individuals and a video conference would be the epitome of it all!

On a much smaller scale, however, I would love to start or join a mastermind group. What is a mastermind group?? Kat Lee from HowTheyBlog.com defines it as such:
Mastermind groups often look like a small group of bloggers who have intentionally banded together to invest in one another, share their skills, provide feedback, and promote one another. Mastermind groups are especially great for smaller bloggers or bloggers just getting started – the group will provide just the feedback you need.
(Listen to her podcast on the topic as well!) A mastermind group gets together via Google Hangouts, Skype, Facebook, etc to encourage one another, promote one another, and bounce ideas off each other.

This would be so fantastic I think. It is like a smaller scale conference that is so much more personal. To be able to connect and create that 'tribe' is what I think the heart of blogging really is! I haven't tried a master mind group yet, but hey! If you find it as interesting as I do, go ahead and leave me a comment or email! We all have to start somewhere ;)

Can't wait to see how everyone else is expanding their blogging horizons!! Have a fantastic Wednesday ArmchairBEA!!

P.S. Also, check out some practical guidelines and other basics!


Monday, May 26, 2014

BEA Introductions!

Welcome to Sunrise Avenue!!!
And welcome to the beginning of Armchair BEA 2014!! I had a HUGE blast participating last year that I've been counting down the days to jump in again! Today we are linkup up some introductory posts. I can't wait to stop by some new places and re-visit old friends. 


1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from? 

Some basics about me can be found HERE and HERE, so I won't regurgitate those facts. I've been blogging here on Sunrise Avenue since last summer, but have had a few other blogs here and there since 2005 or so. I really wanted to get into the world of book blogging because it is my scene and they are my people. I taught myself to read at a young age and never stopped. I love to talk all things bookish and read, read, READ! Sunrise Avenue is my tiny place to share that love. Follow me here on the blog through GFC, Feedly or Bloglovin, or find me on Twitter

2. What genre do you read the most?

I love a variety of books and hate limiting myself to one category. The majority of what I read is Christian non-fiction or fantasy. Fantasy is a wide umbrella, I know, but that is why I like it! YA books are fun to read and I am trying to get into biographies more, especially foodie books! 

3. What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year? 

My two top books from 2013 were Women Living Well and Sea of Tranquility. My favorite book so far in 2014 will be Finding Spiritual Whitespace. This book is WRECKING ME! Check back for a review first week of June.

4. What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like?
Can I cheat?? I shared some great photos a few months back that wrap up my faves. Picture anything like this:Cozy reading spot - great chair, curio cabinet, chippy drop-leaf table - love it!
..and you are right on the money!


5. Share your favorite book or reading related quote.

The fact that this line is said in Doctor Who, even if the episode it's in isn't one of my favorites, makes me love the show EVEN MORE. And I didn't think that was possible.
Happy beginning to Armchair BEA! *cheers!*


Friday, May 23, 2014

Finding My Whitespace

Today I want to join up with a lovely new community dedicated to finding our personal whitespace and telling our stories. I just finished reading "Finding Spiritual Whitespace" by Bonnie Gray. It is set to release the first week of June and I am waiting so share my full review until then. Now, however, I want to share just one way the book has impacted my life. I will start with some of Gray's own words from the book, found on page 49:
Finding spiritual whitespace isn't about carving out an hour of time to escape the things that stress us.
It's the opposite. It's getting away from everything we do to distract ourselves from all the hidden pieces--in order to nurture our soul. It's getting away from the lie that spiritual rest is something we have to work hard at in order to get closer to God. 
Spiritual whitespace moves us away from making spiritual rest an activity to please God, instead of enjoying his comfort and pleasure.
Spiritual rest is a journal of awakening our hearts to fully receive. 
For a long time my life just was. I didn't realize how bad it was. Who realizes what they are living isn't normal if they have never experienced 'normal'? And my life wasn't, and isn't, bad per se. My family are all alive and healthy, I'm married with a healthy, exuberant toddler. My hubby's job is stable and comfortable. I am not busy, quite the opposite. But I still had hurts, cuts that run deep.

I didn't realize how perfect I had become at avoiding.

When feelings ran high, I'd turn to earthly things, TV, Facebook, books, and just avoid feeling anything. By the time my Doctor Who episode was over I wouldn't feel the same. I had emptied all feelings and filled up on imaginary characters.

I would call it rest. Yet...I never felt rested. I felt stressed, exhausted, and not enough. And I thought it was just me, I just thought this was normal, that this was life. Happy was just a fluffy cookie, quickly and briefly experienced.

Bonnie Gray cut my heart to the quick. This wasn't rest, wasn't life, wasn't spiritual whitespace! God couldn't operate here.

I'm learning....I am SUCH a slow learner...that true rest and peace is found on the floor playing Little People with my daughter, it is found in actually looking at the trees and the grass, its found in not noticing the mess. Rest is found in a deep breath, in closed eyes and a quick prayer: "God, I'm here. Thank you. Fill me."

An hour of journaling doesn't need to be carved out. I don't need to wait to connect with God until my 'prayer space' is decorated, my candles are lit, and the baby is napping. I can be. I can relax. I can love and be loved here. Now. Where ever. Whenever.

I am finding my Spiritual Whitespace.
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Next Thursday's (5/29/14) writing prompt:  share your whitespace moment. enjoy using the special Whitespace Printables. 

- moments of beauty and rest
- feeding your soul
- your alone time with God

Or choose your own open writing prompt.  Be you.

BookArt2_BreatheBeauty_SpiritualWhitespace_BonnieGray_600x600



Whitespace Community Linkup @ faithbarista.com

Thursday, May 22, 2014

While Love Stirs: Review

While Love Stirs (The Gregory Sisters, #2)
While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad
Visit Lorna's author website HERE
Publisher: Revell
Publishing Date: April 29, 2014
Goodreads Summary:
After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy it on your Kindle for $9.99 today! (5/22/19)

My Thoughts:
When I saw a new Christian romance novel that was going to center around cooking, I figured it was written just for me. Revell has a history of publishing books I fall in love with and so I felt it was a safe bet to snatch this one up.

Right off the bat, I struggled getting into the story. Charlotte, our MC, and main man Joel meet right off the bat and instantly start fighting. I am a person who dislikes tension and conflict, so I was turned off by Charlotte's pride and Joel's antagonism. I didn't think I could relate to Charlotte, and I already didn't like her much, and so I struggled with whether I should continue reading the book. I pushed on because I already enjoyed Seilstad's writing style and loved the cooking aspects.

Luckily, as the novel continues Charlotte becomes more inclined to think before speaking and make apologies. I truly enjoyed seeing her mature and develop into someone who was more willing to think then react. However, it seemed Joel remained the same throughout the story. He was always flying off the handle and had hurtful words flying out of his mouth. It just seemed so...controlling to me. I almost started rooting for Lewis, the slick crooner and vague other love interest. I was sad to see that Joel's character never truly develops beyond this.

The plot itself was a mish mash of big, crazy events, the least of which is Charlotte and Joel planning a charity event together. I won't share any of the events, because it is so much more fun to discover them on your own, but each one on its own could have filled a whole novel. Put all together, they were almost overwhelming. Seilstad did a good job making it all work but never dwelling on any one event for too long, but then I felt kind of sad that we were missing out on details and depth of each one. Then, of course, the cooking aspect that I was so excited for, got lost in the crowded mix.

Seilstad made it all work though. I read the whole thing, enjoyed it, and even snagged book one while it was on sale a while back. While I did find some of it overwhelming, I think the characters felt realistic enough to carry me through to the end. All the pieces managed to fit together to tell one whirlwind of a story! I'd recommend it to fans of Christian romance that love Minnesota (Yay MN references!!), like a good dose of history, and appreciate some light cooking aspects. I am rating it with 3 stars out of 5.

Read any good Christian romance stories lately? Let me know in the comments; I am always looking for some good summer reads! 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Doctor Who: Touched by an Angel Review

Doctor Who: Touched by an Angel
Doctor Who: Touched by an Angel by Jonathan Morris
Visit the author's website HERE
Publisher: BBC Digital
Publishing Date: June 23, 2011
Goodreads Summary:
'The past is like a foreign country. Nice to visit, but you really wouldn't want to live there.'

In 2003, Rebecca Whitaker died in a road accident. Her husband Mark is still grieving. He receives a battered envelope, posted eight years earlier, containing a set of instructions with a simple message: 'You can save her.'

As Mark is given the chance to save Rebecca, it's up to the Doctor, Amy and Rory to save the whole world. Because this time the Weeping Angels are using history itself as a weapon.

An adventure featuring the Eleventh Doctor, as played by Matt Smith, and his companions Amy and Rory
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy the Kindle edition for $9.43 today (5/2 /14)

My Thoughts:
If you don't know that I am obsessed with Doctor Who, we apparently aren't friends. And if you LOVE some Who like I do, than we are insta-friends. My name is Alyssa, nice to meet you! Previously, I have read two other Doctor Who books before, both featuring 10 and Donna. Perhaps it is the difference in Doctor, but "Touched by an Angel" was way less enjoyable to read.

First, it should be mentioned that one should only be reading this book if they are already fans of the show, which I would assume to be the case anyhow. All manner-isms of the Doctor, Amy, and Rory expect previous knowledge. Also relationships between the three aren't explained, and even the basic knowledge of Weeping Angels and who the Doctor IS are all assumed.

Along that same train of thought, much in this book isn't fully explained. I suppose that is the nature of Doctor Who. Some of the science has to be made up, some of the 'real' science goes over my head, and sometimes they blatantly gloss over things. Being a fan of DW calls for some suspension of belief at times, goes with the sci-fi name. While I can tolerate, and even love it in the show, I found it didn't translate as well into writing. I could picture the Doctor doing his quirky things like straightening his bow tie and brandishing his sonic, but they just didn't carry the same weight. Weeping Angels are also a lot less scary if you are only reading about them. I think DW is just made for its TV show format.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS IF YOU CONTINUE....

As for the actual story itself, it was a sad one with not a completely happy ending. I also found it a bit boring compared to most DW adventures. The story revolves around Mark who lost his wife Rebecca in a car crash. Weeping Angels send Mark back into his past where he believes he will be able to save Rebecca. We tag along as readers, getting glimpses into college life and hoping he doesn't create a paradox.

I found myself confused often, which I know happens a lot in DW, but this time it was specific to the writing. I never knew which Mark's perspective I was reading from, the Younger Mark, or the Original Mark. It often took a good bit of reading, and guessing, to discover who was who and what was going on.

The overarching idea that the Angels picked Mark to help them create a paradox to feed off of was also a bit of a moot point when you stop to ask 'Why him?' I guess we will never know, but logic does ask why the Angels wouldn't just randomly pick someone else and start again. Nothing is really stopping them from repeating this idea over and over again until they are all finally time locked.

Overall, this book made me realize that I really should just stick to DW television, no matter how bad I am craving some Tennant...er Who, in my life. I can only give it 2.5 stars out of a possible 5 stars. I found it bland, confusing, and lacking in actual Doctor. I'd recommend it to superfans only, and also those who are fans of the Weeping Angels.

Now off to watch 'The Family of Blood'!!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Love Idol Review

Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval - and Seeing Yourself through God's Eyes
Love Idol by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Visit the Author's Website
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
Publishing Date: 4/21/14
Goodreads Summary:
We all want someone to think we're sensational. We desire to be recognized, to be valued, to be respected . . . to be loved. Yet this natural yearning too often turns into an idol of one of God's most precious gifts: love itself. If you, like so many of us, spend your time and energy trying to earn brownie points--at work, home, and church--all the while fearing that, at any moment, the facade will drop, and everyone will see your hidden mess . . . then love may have become an idol in your life. In this poignant and hope-filled book, Jennifer Dukes Lee shares her own lifelong journey of learning to rely on the unconditional love of God. She gently invites us to make peace with our imperfections and to stop working overtime for a love that is already ours. "The Love Idol" will help us dismantle what's separating us from true connection with God and rediscover the astonishing joy of a life full of freedom in Christ.
 I received this book from the Tyndale Rewards program. All opinions are my own. Buy this book on Amazon for Kindle $8.54 or in Paperback for $9.48

My Thoughts:
"Love Idol" first came to my attention when I started seeing 'preapproved' photos all over Instagram and Twitter. What on earth did 'preapproved' mean? Why were people hanging the word on mirrors and in fridges? And who was this Jennifer Dukes Lee anyway? My favorite bloggers were tweeting quotes and pictures and I knew I needed to add this book to my reading list. Then I was checking Tyndale Rewards and saw they were offering "Love Idol"! I snatched it up instantly.

And wow.

Lee used to be a newspaper reporter, so the girl certainly knows how to write and capture the reader's attention. The term 'love idol' is what Lee uses to talk about her need for approval. Her opening lines capture it well:
Hi, I'm Jennifer. I know, we've just met, but already a familiar anxiety is rising up in my heart: I want you to like me.
For much of my life, I have lived like that. I have wanted people's approval. I have wanted to be a real somebody but have felt like a nobody. I'm not proud to say that I've been a people pleaser and a perfectionist and a prisoner to popular opinion.
Lee continues on to explain how we often take our need for approval and make it a false god, or an idol. We put it in the place of God's approval. The bulk of the novel reads almost like a memoir, travelling through her past up into her current memories of when and how this Love Idol has consumed her. And she is brutally honest in her journey. She sweeps us along her pilgrimage showing us her struggles from beginning to ''end''. Lee proves that something worth doing isn't always easy, isn't always a quick fix. It can take time, dedication, tenacity, and a thirst. A thirst for God above all else.

What I truly loved about "Love Idol'' was how Lee shows us her ugly. She doesn't sugarcoat her life or gloss over the bad, but truly invites us in to see her cracks....and God shines through. Some people might wonder how someone who struggles with a Love Idol could write a book, which can be all about selling, ratings, and humanly praise (yes, I know the irony of also writing a review on such a book...), but the book is so much more about God than it is about Lee. Her personal story is just a back drop, a white canvas that God uses to create a work of art.
I possess Christ because He took on Himself every sin I would ever commit. And He did that before I was ever born. I was preapproved, in a sense, before my birth. He stamped on me with a seal that said, "This one is Mine."
He died for me--a misfit who doubted His very existence--in the greatest act of validation known to humanity. Before I believed in Him, He had already died for me! (pg 124-125)
On some level we all put the love idol before God. I never thought of myself as a people pleaser or a perfectionist by any means. Don't be put off if you think the same, there is still so much gold here. While reading I found myself going "Ooo, yeah I do that!" or "Oh man, I do worry about what others think about that." Even if I don't think I am over-the-top people pleasing, I still do, I think we all do at times. Everything Lee shares is completely applicable to every other idol we place before God as well.

"Love Idol" was a beautiful journey of not self discovery, but Christ discovery. Much in the vein of Ann Voskamp, Lee's words are peaceful, poetic, and hard truth all in one. I'd highly recommend this book to random strangers on the street, so I definitely think you, my lovely friends, should pick it up! I easily give it five stars and added it to my Lifechanger shelf on Goodreads. Pick this one up and take the journey to destroying your own love idols.