The Powerful Purpose of Introverts

 

GERTH, HOLLEY

THE POWERFUL PURPOSE OF INTROVERTS

Our world needs what introverts have to offer more than ever before

Introverts make up half the population, yet more people still don't truly understand what it means to be one. In this eye-opening book, Holley Gerth shares everything you need to know, from brain science to the psychological, relational, and spiritual aspects of being an introvert. She also reveals exactly what will help you beat your struggles and maximize your strengths so you can live with clarity, courage, and confidence in a world that needs what only you can give.

If you've ever questioned who you are as an introvert, or if you love, lead, or share life with an introvert, you need this empowering, insightful book.

My Review:

First off, I have to say how excited I am to find a book that's all about celebrating my introvert-yness instead of trying to banish it! I gave up on self-help books years ago because I'd become overwhelmed by the pressure to transform from introvert to extrovert -- as if that was the only way I could find true happiness and fulfillment. 

I'd try and fail and try and fail and, with each failure, I lost some of myself until I wasn't only an introvert but bordering on becoming a recluse. Really, what would be so bad about living out my life in the company of my non-judgmental book friends? I'll admit that fiction is still one of my coping strategies. There's nothing like a little bibliotherapy to soothe away the harsh demands of the extrovert masses who all think their way is the only way! :-)

And here comes Holley Gerth with the rather stunning declaration: "I am an introvert, and I will imperfectly and courageously offer my strengths of strategic solitude, meaningful connection, true well-being, hard-won resilience, sharp thinking, insightful perception, and intentional energy as I live with purpose and grow for a lifetime." (p 171) And I'm aglow because she gets it. She gets me! And she wants me to still be me! Which doesn't mean I can't learn and grow, just that I can do that while loving on my introvert self!

She gets a bit text-book clinical in places and I'll admit to skimming those sections because -- hello 99% fiction reader here! But there are also plenty of relatable stories and insightful surveys and pointed questions and tons of suggestions and examples to learn by and reflect on. I'm especially excited about the book club questions at the back of the book. Yes, they are great for a group but I'm going to dive in and work through the questions on my own. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Comm. Inc.

Fiercehearted : Live Fully, Love Bravely

GIVEAWAY

GERTH, HOLLEY
FIERCEHEARTED : LIVE FULLY, LOVE BRAVELY

Every day we struggle to find more freedom, joy and purpose. What if the solution isn't trying harder or being better but embracing the fiercehearted woman already inside us? A fierceheared woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She lives fully and loves bravely. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. She dares to be who she is -- imperfect and beloved.

In her most powerful and personal book yet, bestselling author, counselor, and life coach Holley Gerth empowers and encourages women not simply through "how to" but by life-changing, heart-freeing "me too." Join Holley on this journey to becoming a fiercehearted woman and discover what she did; the freedom and courage to embrace life, love, and faith to the fullest because your struggles can no longer hold you back.

My Review:

Intense. Sincere. Full of laughter and tears. Holley Gerth has a way of writing the reader into the conversation so it feels like you're sitting across the table in some cozy cafe as you share your story with the best listener in the world. She writes with the kind of heart and candor that has the power to encourage change.

A much needed change where I am concerned. Because -- true confession time -- I'm a scaredy-cat. I've read the fictional accounts of fiercehearted heroines and basked in their glory while knowing deep down that I could never live as fully or bravely. But then Ms. Gerth comes along and starts changing my mind. I start thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could become the fiercehearted heroine of my own story.

Her words are sweet and smooth and encouraging as she candidly bears her soul and invites me to do the same. As I dig deep I find a hidden core of fierceness I didn't know was there. I realize that I can be that woman -- the kind *"who defends like a warrior and weeps like a girl." And I suddenly want to *"chase Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness." And a glorious bubble of joy bursts from deep within me and I'm suddenly aware of all kinds of possibilities. So, yeah, that's the kind of impact this book has made on me.

*words in italics taken from the poem, Fiercehearted Woman, p 9

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fiercehearted : Live Fully, Love Bravely, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

GERTH, HOLLEY
WHAT YOUR HEART NEEDS FOR THE HARD DAYS

We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.

Thankfully, Jesus said we don't "live on bread alone"--that includes cupcakes--"but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.

If you're tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you'll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.

Remember, you're not alone, my friend.
In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we're all in this together.

My Review:

Holley has a gift for giving out reality checks. She does it with kindness and gentleness and compassion, but she doesn't pull any punches. She tells the truth with the reminder that God's love will always surround you. Simple words of truth that we all need to hear. Each devotion speaks to a real issue in a relatable manner while highlighting a scripture from Psalms. She also provides space for contemplation and prayer at the end of each devotion. This author is blessed with the ability to offer comfort and hope for those hard days we all struggle with. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream : Opening the Door to All God Has For You

GERTH, HOLLEY
YOU'RE MADE FOR A GOD-SIZED DREAM : OPENING THE DOOR TO ALL GOD HAS FOR YOU

We all long to live with more purpose, passion, and joy. Yet in the middle of our hectic lives, the God-sized dreams that have the potential to lead us into all God has planned for us are the ones that tend to get lost. With her intimate, approachable style and constant encouragement, popular blogger and author Holley Gerth invites women to rediscover the big dreams God has given them--and then dare to pursue them.

With the enthusiasm and honesty that we all want from our closest friend, Holley encourages women to overcome excuses--too busy, too late, too far out of my comfort zone--and believe that their God-sized dreams can become reality. She takes readers by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this! Let's go!" and then guides them forward with a loving hand. A licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley insightfully combines inspiration with practical application in this positive book.

My Review:

 Uplifting and inspiring.

Holley Gerth is the kind of mentor you want to have on your side. Gerth's personalized delivery comes across in an easy-to-read conversational style that made me feel she was right there guiding me along with her encouraging support.

This book helped me tune out the clamouring voices of doubt and fear so that I could more clearly capture the vision of  my God-sized dreams. The author's writing infuses warmth and laughter, courage and hope -- and the awe-inspiring concept that God is waiting to to share His dreams for my life with me.

I used this book as part of my studies during the month of March and found myself eagerly anticipating my morning devotionals. I felt bolstered up with a new confidence that helped me focus on the changes I needed to make in my daily life. Gerth's influence has made a difference in my overall ability to face problems and conflicts and, most importantly, to be courageous enough to dream those God-Sized dreams.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be

GERTH, HOLLEY
YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING : EMBRACING WHO YOU ARE, BECOMING ALL GOD CREATED YOU TO BE

Psst . . . pull up a chair and I'll tell you a secret. You'd better lean in close for this one.


Ready?

You don't have to do more, be more, have more.

I'm sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over.

But it's true.

It's the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that's what it did for me. . . 
So watch out, sister. If you keep reading you just might be next.

With this heart-to-heart message, Holley Gerth invites you to embrace one very important truth--that you truly are already amazing. Like a trusted friend, Holley gently shows you how to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds you and instead believe that God loves you and has bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined.

My Review:

Refreshing and engaging, Gerth tackles a multitude of issues with compassion and humour and an all important brightness of hope. You're Already Amazing reads as fluently as fiction and kept my attention riveted until the very end. It's the first time in  a long while that I've read a non-fiction book cover to cover and all the while I felt like I was chatting with a really good friend. Exchanging ideas, problems, testimonies. Exploring who God is and what He wants me to become...and more importantly how much He loves me just the way I am. Right now. Today. Without apology.

Each chapter is divided into sub-sections that pack a punch but can be read in just a few minutes...if you can stand to put the book down, that is! Gerth's vibrant enthusiasm and passion exude off each page and it's clear to see the hand of God in her words and thoughts. You're Already Amazing will bless you again and again. Highly recommended to be read and shared by every woman in your life -- starting with you!

You might be interested in checking out Holley Gerth's blog:

http://www.holleygerth.com/

Or this great interview on Amish Wisdom (Suzanne Woods Fisher's wonderful radio show on toginet). Check out the Thursday March 15 show here:

http://toginet.com/podcasts/amishwisdom/?s=amishwisdom



"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".