Monday, June 14, 2010

I'll pass on this one

I was looking for a new daily devotional book. I had been reading Sarah Young's Jesus Calling, and loving it. Truthfully, it will still be near my side as I learn something new each time. But, I still wanted a new daily read. So I went to the Christian book store and wandered. I found a few and thought that The One Year book of Inspirations for Girlfriends...juggling Not-so -Perfect, often crazy, but Gloriously Real Lives by Ellen Miller looked great. It says on the jacket "if your life is PERFECT, just PUT THIS BOOK DOWN." Sounded like the right book for me!


What I didn't realize at that point is that evidently the author's life IS perfect. Oh, yes, I know that no one's life is perfect and blah blah blah. But we all know that some people come off in life as having it all together. This is that person. Now, I am not here to slander anyone, I am just telling you my honest feelings while reading this book thus far. I don't like to do negative reviews, and wasn't even given the book for reviewing purposes. I paid for it with my own money. Which makes me more frustrated with the book in all honesty. And I'm just being honest hear.
Right now I am in the section where she talks about marriage. While admitting to being divorced, she has been married to Steve now for more than 20 years. And they are perfect. They don't fight. They don't shout. They don't have debt. She calls him and leaves love notes. They have excellent communication. Perfect sex life. Perfect careers. And on and on and on. Does she say it just like that? No of course not. However, in every instance where she is telling us an ideal... she's got it down perfectly. I guess personally, let me see a little bit that you struggle with this point. Show me that you're real. There were several days on the subject, you can't have it all.

I feel that I have a great marriage. I love my husband dearly and I don't want to imagine life without him. But I yell. I am irrational at times- or so I'm told *ahem*. I get moody. So does he. And we get through it. Its not all sunshine and daisies. And thank goodness! Wouldn't that be tiresome?! Who can live up to that?! And besides, making up is one of the sweetest times, is it not? How can you make up without a fight?
Is it just me?

Okay, the point of this post is not to bash Ms. Miller. I am sure many will appreciate her book. Just not me. (not enough scripture back up for me either.... just sayin') My point is to get Devotional recommendations from YOU. What book have you read that speaks to your heart, or makes you think? Can ya help a girl out?!


10 comments:

Bina said...

I am with you on the "realness" need in a book about life. I hate it when I read about how they are perfectly fitted and never disagree...cuz that just isn't real life, in my humble opinion. So I am with you on that...

As far as books I really was touched by: Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson is a personal fave. Not a daily devo, but had some deep truths in it and I have had it for a very very very long time...and still go back into it.

...oh and why'd you have to out me for calling you irrational??? I thought that was just between us?!?! (hee hee hee)

Diane said...

Different strokes for different folks. Hope you find the right book for you! :O)

Duane Scott said...

Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado ~ That's my devotional book. You'll love it.

I know, I know,, I didn't even introduce myself around these parts. I'm Duane. And I'll be visiting your blog now and again. It feels homey. Love me a good rant.

And your kids are so cool to be making a hut for that little frog. :)

Cristi said...

I really love anything by Mindy Starns Clark. I know it is not a devotional but every book I have read has touched my heart!

HUGS

alicia said...

Bina- so sorry to have outed you! My husband would have gotten to me if I hadn't though! He probably would've addes some extra descriptives, but if wants to voice his opinion, he can get his own blog. Am I right, or am I right. I know. I do love Nicole Johnson so I will look that one up.

Diane- yes, sorry to be negative, just had to be honest.

Duane- thanks for stopping by! Homey, eh? Just wait... you'll think it a disfunctional home soon, but its mine, and I welcome new people! I do believe that I have that book sitting on my shelf... or I gave it as a gift. I will look into it, Thanks!

Cristi- I do love Mindy Starns Clark... I have read just her mystery series though and have yet to reach for her non-fiction. I will have to do that.

Dorcas said...

I don't have a devotional at the moment. Haven't really found a good one. Even though I did buy the Busy mom's bible! Haven't done the devotional cause well...I just got it but Cristi did say it was good. So I am looking forward to getting into it. I hope you find a good devotional.

Let me know. I love me some good reading!!!


~blessings

Dorcas

Marissa said...

I'll ask around for a better book. I am like you, LOVE my family and husband and don't ever want to be without them for a second, but like you..I get frustrated, lose my temper and blah blah blah, dont like when people come off trying to be "perfect"...it's annoying! Ha! Hope you find a better book soon :)

Ashli said...

Nobody has a perfect life. Period. Some people give me an account of a party or a situation that happened, and sometimes, I was even THERE, and I think, you really spun that a lot differently than I LIVED it!
So maybe her perception is that all those things are hunky dorie, but, I am with you... real works better.
I have never loved Beth Moore better than the day I sat down in a conference to hear her say she and her hubby have almost divorced about 100 times, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD! Now that is a book I wanta read. Real life. Real struggles. Real facts about how to live when the living gets tough... and it WILL get tough... the bible tells us that on just about every page or so!
I am with you, put that down and read something with some you can relate to...
Ahem, and I have no idea what it is like to have your hubby say that you are moody. Cough, gag,

ALL. the. time. Working on it, though! The heat, it brings out my bad side. 95 degrees yesterday!

alicia said...

Thanks, Dorcas, I may have to get that Bible after all!
Thanks, Marissa!

Gabby! I'm not gonna lie- I got a bit excited to see your name! I've missed you on your blogging break! Thanks for sharing your opinion-especially since it agrees with mine! ;) Enjoy the heat, we are flooded!

Kimberly Rae said...

While its not a devotional... I am reading, for the second time I liked it so much, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners by Greg Laurie...

Its really helped me realize that God uses the most unlikely of people for His calling.