Book Review: Set-Apart Femininity

There are few books that leave a great impression on me after I've read them-Set-Apart Feminity is one of the few that have. The author, Leslie Ludy, has a heart for the girls of this generation, and brings a message that young women desperately need to hear. In her previous book, Authentic Beauty, the running theme throughout was to remain pure in a society that only mocks at such a thing called purity. Also, a relationship with the "Prince", Jesus Christ, is greatly encouraged, and Leslie continuously brings out the point that He is truly all we need.

In Set-Apart Femininity, Leslie continues to build on these two points, but goes even further. Referring back to several experiences in her public school, she learned many lessons the hard way, and witnessed the flimsy pop culture that took hold of herself and her classmates. Parents of younger girls may want to be cautioned, as some of the information Leslie shares features more mature content.

The extensive chapter on prayer really got my attention, and has encouraged me to be more fervent in my prayer life. Leslie speaks boldly on issues concerning the media and how it can draw our minds away from our Heavenly King. Her call is for girls to embrace a sacred femininity-the kind of femininity that makes Amy Carmichaels and Gladys Aylwards-women who gave their all for the glory of Christ. A review on Amazon sums up some of the major points of this book:

• surrender to God’s love and wholeness
  
• embrace the real blueprint for beauty
  
• enjoy spectacular purpose
  
• captivate the masculine heart
  
• cultivate spiritual strength

I felt convicted and ready to change some things in my life after reading this book-I hope you will have the same experience as well. I have begun viewing things in a different light after reading Set-Apart Femininity. My contentment and love for Christ have grown stronger, and I have seen even more how He is a powerful God who deserves all our praise and adoration.

So whoever wins this giveaway, enjoy Set-Apart Femininity. It truly is a life-changing book. Although it is a hard road to take, and I struggle with this daily, I want to be among the set-apart who make a difference for Christ. Do you?

Have you entered our giveaway?

Go here to find out how!

Spring Getting To Know You Giveaway - Part Three

Hello! Here are Sara's answers to our survey:

1. Give us your name and age (age is optional) please don't put your last name!

Sara Elizabeth

2. Who is in your family?

My dad and mom, siblings Chris (26), Ryan (16), Melissa (14), Matt (12), and Rachel (10)

3. What is your favorite Bible verse?

Isaiah 40:31

4. Why is it your favorite?

Because of the beautiful promise it holds for those who wait on the Lord.

5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

blogging, playing the piano, scrapbooking

6. What is your biggest struggle as a woman?

Keeping myself separate from the world. It's hard to work and go to a secular school without coming to a certain point where you question everything you've ever believed in. While it's a challenge, it's also a good reminder to me to be in the world, but not of it.

7. What would you like us to talk about in the GI blog in the future?

Skip!!

8. Who is your favorite author?

C.S. Lewis, Leslie Ludy, Jane Austen (I know, I was only supposed to name one!)

9. What is your favorite Christian song or poem?

Be Thou My Vision and In Christ Alone

10. Do you have any advice for a fellow sister in Christ?

Don't ever let the world with it's trials and heartaches ever discourage you from serving and praising the Lord. He has a beautiful plan for each of us, and if we wait on Him, we will "mount up with wings like eagles, we will run and not be weary, we will walk and not faint."

Spring Getting to Know You Giveaway - Part Two

This is Part Two of our Spring Giveaway Introduction. If you haven't read Part One, please do so now!

Okay, now that you know what to do, here is the survey that you need to fill out! I also wanted to add that you are invited to participate no matter what age you are. You may know a younger sister in Christ that you want to give the book to if you win it.

I'll list the questions here, and then below I will put my answers ....

1. Give us your name and age (age is optional) please don't put your last name!
2. Who is in your family?
3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
4. Why is it your favorite?
5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
6. What is your biggest struggle as a woman?
7. What would you like us to talk about in the GI blog in the future?
8. Who is your favorite author?
9. What is your favorite Christian song or poem?
10. Do you have any advice for a fellow sister in Christ?

Now my answers:


1. Give us your name and age (age is optional) please don't put your last name!
My name is Beverly, and yes, most people call me Bev. I am 28 years old.

2. Who is in your family?
My husband, my daughter Selena (2), and my daughter Shana (5 months).

3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 8:38-39

4. Why is it your favorite?
I love this passage because I can cling to it at anytime in my life and know that no matter what is going on, that NOTHING can separate me from Christ's love. What a wonderful promise!!

5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Probably it is a cross between reading, and blogging! I usually have a mug of some sort of hot drink while doing one of the two.

6. What is your biggest struggle as a woman?
Without question it is quieting my sinful worrying nature. I need to cast ALL of my cares on Him.

7. What would you like us to talk about in the GI blog in the future?
Ummm ... this question wasn't really meant for me - but for the rest of you!!

8. Who is your favorite author?
Can I give three? I enjoy Elizabeth George, Bodie and Brock Thoene, and Louisa May Alcott.

9. What is your favorite Christian song or poem?
My favorite songs are More Love to Thee and Take My Life.

10. Do you have any advice for a fellow sister in Christ?
This is a hard one. As a mom, a big sister, and former Sunday School teacher, my advice would be to be mindful of our example to those younger then us at all times. So many younger eyes are watching us, and we definitely always want to point younger ones to Christ.

The next post will contain Sara's answers - so be looking for that!!

Spring Getting to Know You Giveaway

Hi all!

Just here to announce that The Girl Inside is hosting a "Getting to Know You" Spring Giveaway!

We will be giving away one copy of Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy to one of our readers!

Here's what YOU have to do:

I'll be posting a 10 question survey that will help us all get to know each other. Sara and I will answer the survey, but we won't be entering ourselves in the giveaway.

1. Answer the survey and post it on your blog.

2. Title your post: Spring Getting To Know You Giveaway

3. Link to your post using the Mr. Linky below.

4. If you sign up to follow our blog, you'll get your name entered twice. Just let us know in the comments!

5. If you are a non-blogger email me your survey, and I'll enter you.

6. This giveaway closes on Friday, March 27th!!!! The winner will be announced the following week. If you win, you'll be featured on our blog, and you will receive the book as well.

Watch for the 10 questions ... coming in my next post!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I recently read an article by a young lady who has just started coauthoring an excellent blog titled "Imperishable Beauty". I was so encouraged by the post's message on Valentine's Day, and I thought you would be too, so please read it whenever you get a chance! Here's the link: http://imperishablebeautyblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/redeeming-valentines-day.html.

Happy Valentine's Day from Beverly and Sara!

He Won't Leave Us

I read this in my devotional book by Charles Spurgeon the other day and was so encouraged. I thought I would share it with you.

"Is it not a wonderful and arresting fact that while others leave us and forsake us that God never does? He says to each of His own redeemed people, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." How often do people forsake those whom they call their friends when those friends fall into poverty! The tragedies of some of these cruel forsakings! May you enver know them! Friends who once were cherished are now forgotten. In fact, the man almost pities himself to think that he should have been so unfortunate to have a friend who has fallen so low, and has no pity for his friends because he is so much occupied in pitying himself. In hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands of cases, as soon as the gold has gone, the pretended love has gone; and when the dwelling ahs been changed from the mansion to the cottage, the friendship that once promised to last forever has suddenly disappeared. But God will never leave us on account of poverty: However low we may fall, there it always stands: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." "

I was especially touched by this short devotional because I have experienced many instances where so-called friends of mine have gone out of my life. It is easy to grow bitter and angry, isn't it? And as girls, it is so easy to resort to gossiping and backbiting. I know I am guilty of this as well. Keeping our tongues from evil isn't the easiest task, but that's why prayer is so important. God can give us the patience and strength to bite our tongues and keep silent. What can be very painful and hurtful is when the gossiping is being done toward you. One day it can seem like you have a huge amount of friends, the next day they could all be gone.

Thankfully, the Lord has blessed me with a small group of sweet, Godly friends that I trust and love. But I have experienced the stinging ache of feeling slapped in the face by people I once called my friends. I think it is so comforting to know that even when the closest loved one might turn around and desert us, God is always there. His love is unconditional. He is not fickle and gossipy. He is ready to take us by the hand and walk with us through any difficulty. What an amazing God we serve!

You have my heart

And I am Yours forever

You are my strength

God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand

Still You make time for me

I can't understand

Praise You God of Earth and sky

How beautiful is Your unfailing love

Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain

The Holy One

My unfailing love

Unfailing love

You are my rock

The one I hold on to

You are my song

And I sing for You

~Chris Tomlin