Thursday, February 3, 2011

Same Life, New Story - Jan Silvious


Author: Jan Silvious
ISBN: 0785228195
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 208
Quick Review: 2 stars (out of 5)
Why I Read It: I choose this book to blog about from Booksneeze.
Where I Obtained the Book: I was sent this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing to read and review.
Synopsis: Move from what" is" to what "can be" by changing how you think and talk to yourself. Using powerful character studies of ten women from Scripture, as well as modern-day stories
from her work as a professional life coach, Bible teacher Jan Silvious helps women choose new stories instead of dumping, or wallowing in, their old lives. Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Naaman's servant girl, and Elizabeth round out the cast of characters who, with their own stories, help readers find new perspectives with amazing results. Chapters include: Realize it's time Don't be held hostage by the past Ask yourself good questions Change your "I can't" to "I can" Delete the drama of the day Forget the "What might have beens" Discover the power of wisdom and courage Get past the resistance of fear Choose to bounce back The last chapter has not been written yet
Review: This is going to be tough. I liked the book for the stories that were told, but it wasn't really a Bible study. Another thing I thought she made a point of...was that no matter how hard your life is...it can always be worse... so get over yourself. She gave many examples of how much worse it can be, in the Bible, her life and in the lives of many other women. I appreciate the idea of telling women to get over themselves and get on with their lives. But, as a Bible study book I believe it failed.
This is more of a self-help book then a Bible study. The author uses Bible stories of women to bring across her points, but it is about getting off you duff, doing something in your life, and raising above the troubles, more then about the Bible or God for that matter. I know we all face challenges in this life and this book gives ideas on how to overcome those challenges. The women she uses from the Bible are strong examples and it was nice to brush up on their lives. Many of their lives were difficult but they seemed able to meet the challenges of those difficulties.
I do believe, like the author, that it can always be worse. But sometimes we to need to take time to be sad, that way we can appreciate the happy times. Even Christ allowed himself to grieve for Lazarus, and he knew he would raise him from the dead. What better example do we need?
If you want to read stories of women who have overcome huge obstacles then this is for you. If you want a Bible study, then get a different book.

Author Biography: Jan Silvious has years of experience as a counselor and Bible teacher. She leads seminars for Moody's women's ministry, she has been a keynote speaker at Moody's Founder's Week, and she is a pre-conference speaker for Women of Faith. Her books include Understanding Women, The Five-Minute Devotional, Foolproofing Your Life, Moving Beyond the Myths, The Guilt Free Journal, and Look At It This Way. Jan and her husband, Charles, make their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They have three grown sons.
Other Reviews:
We will be giving this book away on the 9th, come back for details.

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