In case you forgot, I love to read.  Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read.  Other women buy shoes; I buy books.  For 2012,  I am purposing to be a bit more intentional about my reading plan.  I hope to read 12 books and post a “Net Out” here on the blog using a  format similar to Michael Hyatt’s.

The Resolution for Women  by Priscilla Shirer outlines 13 principles for Biblical womanhood and encourages the readers to firmly resolve to put them into practice.  Shirer passionately describes how each woman is created by God for more–and she challenges her readers to purposefully pursue their calling.  Each section has three to four chapters which describe God’s design for women who seek to live life as disciples and leave a legacy.

Here are some “take away” truths that captured my attention:

• A graceful woman is content: “When you’ve concluded that what you already have on hand is enough, that it’s adequate–that it’s been deemed by God as sufficient–then you’re equipped and empowered to participate fully in the tasks set before you during this season of life” (p. 20).
• The wise woman builds in time for her self: “Overwork is a form of unbelief” (p. 109).
• The discerning woman is a good listener:  “A woman who is quick to listen is one who gathers up all information before releasing her reaction.  She resists the urge to spout off everything her mind formulates, choosing rather to give her solutions time to settle, to become properly shaped before being shared.  When she speaks, her advice and assessments are sensible and sober.  Prudent and purposeful.  Those who are on the receiving end of her conversation realize they’re hearing a response that hasn’t been considered halfheartedly” (p. 118).
• An honest woman fosters integrity through self-examination: “Not everything that bothers one believer is necessarily forbidden for all.  Just because some wouldn’t consider it ‘good’ doesn’t mean it’s worthy of being ‘slandered’ (Romans 14:16).  But as you consider your own structural soundness, would you say it’s able to bear the weight of your Christian profession?  Would it hold up if some of your fellow church members arrived at your door unannounced? Are you who you claim to be?” (p. 150)

Up next will be The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, a book written to demonstrate how applying Christ-like principles of forgiveness and love will transform every day misunderstandings and disagreements.   Want to read it with me?  I will be posting about it on August 31st.

I would love to hear about what you are reading.  Feel free to share in the comment section below to be entered in a Giveaway — I will be giving away a copy of each of these 2 great books.

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Just make sure to enter on or before August 3rd to participate.  Thanks for stopping by!

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