Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home
By: Courtney Joseph
Published: October 1, 2013
Non-Fiction, Christian
A couple weeks ago, I told you about WOMEN LIVING WELL and that I was still reading it. This was not a book I wanted to rush through and so even though I should have posted my review earlier, I needed to take my time and really soak in the message of the book. There were passages I needed to really stop and think/pray about. There were notes I wanted to take and suggestions to remember. Keep in mind, not everything in this book resonated with me or fit into our family and lifestyle, but their are definitely principles, tips, and Biblical teachings that can guide and support you through your home, marriage, and parenting life.
Courtney's journey in helping other women began by growing up in a loving and structured home that was guided by Biblical principles and strong values. Her parents held strong to their beliefs in a world full of temptation and sin and Courtney runs her home with those same values. Courtney began by leading women in Bible Studies in her community and then started her blog, www.WomenLivingWell.org. Her blog reaches women all over the world and allows Courtney to share wisdom, offer support, and encourage others to love Jesus.
In WOMEN LIVING WELL, Courtney is very careful not to preach or tell the reader "what she needs to do". But, instead, she offers what she has done, her personal values, the Biblical teachings and lets the reader decide what will work best for her. Each section of the book takes us through your personal walk with Jesus, your marriage, parenting, and managing your home. This book is not just for those who are stay-at-home-moms or those who homeschool, but for any woman who feels like she needs some support, guidance and a basis for creating structure in the home.
In the past, I have attended a weekly Bible Study called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) which required daily study in the Word and weekly group sessions that I really enjoyed. But, due to time issues, I had to let that go. I try to find time to read the Bible and really make time to pray. But, Courtney gave me a great idea that I am incorporating this week. Buy taking one verse a week, you can focus on memorizing that one verse and the meaning behind it each week. I plan to write that verse as a reminder on my phone and at the top of my to-do list each day. Just one small way I can stay focused on God's word and by choosing verses that will help me with patience, anger, and other struggles.
Courtney spends a great deal of time on social media and the dangers it can create both personally and within your family. I loved the tip she gave that I plan to use with our kids as well....."If the pastor of my church put up on a large screen all the comments, status updates, and pictures I've posted for the entire congregation to see, is there anything that would embarrass me?" Pg.43
In the marriage section, there were several passages that got my attention, but when she asked if I was giving my husband the leftovers rather than the best of me, I stopped and realized I was guilty. After the demands of work, home, children, outside family, and other obligations, it is easy to put your spouse last and this is truly how a marriage can go from warm and loving to difficult. Something so simple and yet, can make such a huge difference in your home.
I also found Courtney's take on social media and parenting very convicting. I noted that at times I am a distracted and distant parent making my children wait until a commercial, or until I finish typing an email or reading an online post on twitter. I am guilty of this and am going to be sure that when my child is talking, I am looking at them and listening. Everything else can wait.
Courtney's encouragement, teachings, and tips for women of any age and at any stage of life are rooted in her Biblical upbringing, but are truly ones that can bring peace and order to your life. Her soothing way of writing makes you feel like you are sitting at the counter sharing a cup of coffee. She seems to know your struggles and knows just what to say to make you feel like you can tackle anything. The key is making sure you are walking through your day with Jesus at your side. A lighted candle, some music and a cup of coffee may help too!
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| Courtney Joseph |
I was given a copy of this book as an eBook for review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.
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