Be Encouraged by: A Perfect Mess

I love reviewing books for Publishers. When it's a great fiction book, I love being drawn into the story. When it's a business or topic-specific book, I learn and learn and learn. In the case of A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper, it's an encouragement book and Bible Study. I had already decided to make my summer devotion time focus on Psalms and Proverbs; when this book came along, I knew it would be a perfect companion to my studies. Lisa tells stories from a personal, human, and transparent viewpoint while clearly sharing scriptures from Psalms. It's awesome. There are chapters about: approval, rest, imperfections, expectations, and anger along with many others. These are the areas of "falling short" that so many people struggle with. Lisa's message is- God's grace prevails and the pressures we put on ourselves doesn't change that one bit. There are questions at the end of each chapter that can be used for personal reflection, a book club, or Bible study.

I enjoyed this book and would whole-heartedly recommend it! I think that reading a book that reminds and encourages us about God's grace thru our imperfections is a yearly necessity.

You can buy the book....OR you can win a copy here! Just post a comment on my blog or on Facebook for a chance to win a copy in a drawing. (I'll mail it to you.) Hurry, the drawing will take place on Aug 1st!

Book Summary-- Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women. As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio-- Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.