LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace

Tag Archives: growth


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Book Review: Freefall to Fly- A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning

As a person who struggles to deal with change, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Rebekah Lyons’ book “Freefall to Fly- A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning”.  In this book, Lyons’ details how she encountered and overcame challenges associated with major changes in her life (such as a family move from Atlanta, Georgia to New York City due to her husband’s job).

While I could identify with some of the challenges Lyons faced as a result of major life changes, there were times that I really struggled to get into the book just because the story itself didn’t seem to flow that well.  However, I did appreciate the transparency that she displayed in telling her story.  While I would question the handling of her mental illness, I do feel that she addressed issues that women frequently face in regards to finding (and rediscovering) their purpose after getting married and having children.

Through many telling life experiences, Lyons encourages women to continue to seek God for their purpose, and then pursue that.  I believe that it is important for women to continue to go after the desires God places in their heart, after marriage and children, and while Lyons’ struggles with that, her book shows that it is possible for women to overcome.

I’m not sure how much I would recommend this book; however, if I did, it would be to women who have struggled with finding and pursuing their purpose because of how life can sometimes get in the way.  Despite struggling at times to get into the book, it was a fairly easy read, and it may be something that I revisit later in life.

Author’s Note: I received this book for free from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own. 


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Book Review: Altar Ego

I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Craig Groeschel’s latest book Altar Ego, and eagerly waited to request it from BookSneeze.  I had heard lots of good things about Groeschel as a pastor, leader, and author, so the anticipation was high.

I have to say that Altar Ego did not disappoint.  I really appreciated the practical wisdom shared by Groeschel, but I also valued the transparency that came in the book, as he shared testimonies from his personal life and the that of his family.  In addition to that, I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book- after reading many of the chapters, I felt that I had just finished engaging in a conversation with a friend.  Groeschel’s ability to infuse a sense of comfort and familiarity into his writing is truly a gift.

This book challenges to move from where you are, to where God desires you to be by gaining a full understanding of who you are in Him.  The concepts are simple, but thought provoking.  Groeschel organizes the book into three sections:

  1. Sacrificing Your False Self for Your Sacred Identity in Christ
  2. Sacrificing Cultural Relativity for Eternal Values
  3. Sacrificing Self-Justification for Passionate Obedience

In each section, he outlines the challenges and competing values one may face that are contrary to the identity God desires for us to have in Him.  I like that he provides practical ways to change that one can implement immediately to help them shift perspectives and grow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.  I think it could be excellent for personal use and growth, but easily adapted for small group study.  Definitely worth checking out, and I’ve already put it on my list of books to reread when I need a refresher course in the basics of my faith!