General Practice Books

This book was exactly what I was looking for. The author provides a Christian view into how moms can help instill desirable traits in her son. It was full of great tips for single moms. It was realistic, honest, and encouraging. A must-read for moms of boys!

As a mom of two boys, I have found this book to be an eye opener. It is written in a simple yet delightful way. I recommend it for anyone who has boys or who work with boys.

Gave me insight into my son, but, also helped me understand my husband. Great book with good advice. Really liked that it had a list of recommended movies to help boys see examples of good male role models. Would have liked a little more depth on how to actually implement some of the suggestions. Perhaps the additional recommended readings will expand on some of the ideas. I've recommended this book to all my friends who are raising boys. Will read again and again.

Rick Johnson has gotten to the heart and soul of what makes a boy a boy and a man a man, physiologically and emotionally.
He gets back to the basics and common sense of parenting and his advice and tips can relate to parents of all backgrounds.
As a parent of two older daughters, my 13 year old son is posing quite a few issues I have never before faced. Mr Johnson's book addresses all of them and answers questions I have found myself up against in the past few years.
Straightforward and informative, Mr. Johnson's That's My Son is a wonderful confirmation of what you're doing as a "repeat parent" and helps guide you along if you struggle with your first experience having a son.

Read it in a couple of days. Great book for Moms and/or single moms. I have renewed faith that I can raise my boy to be a good man even if I'm the closest thing to it in his life!

I am a marriage and family therapist with a background in Bible and theology (MDiv), as well as in social science. As a Christian counselor, I use the concept of personality theory in my counseling on a regular basis. "Unraveling the Mystery of the Motivational Gifts" gives the solidly biblical and Christian base for proper personality theory. Walston points out that we all have our God-given personalities and he goes on to show what the Bible has to say about them. These personalities are our giftedness; they are how we are "hard-wired" to view our world and interact with it the way that we do. Always biblical, Walston goes to great lengths to show the biblical support for the Motivational Gifts theory. His approach to this topic is both biblical and scientifically astute; yet, like his other book, "Something Happened on the Way to Happily Ever After: A Biblical View of Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage" (which I also reviewed), he writes with a flare of ease in which he makes the sublime easy to comprehend. Next, Walston gives a Gifts Indicator in the book so any person can truly discover his or her personal giftedness. Finally, there are study questions for each chapter which makes this book valuable as a group study guide. I have now read two of Rick Walston's books, and, I look forward to reading some of his others.

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone involved in helping Christians learn about their spiritual gifting. Likewise, it seems to me that Christian counselors should consider Dr. Walston's theory and incorporate it into their practice.
The author does a masterful job of evaluating and defining the motivational gifts from a practical, as well as a biblical perspective.
The text includes an easy-to-use series of questions for self evaluation. Another helpful addition to the book is that a series of study questions has been added for each chapter at the end of the book.
The material is handled in a scholarly fashion, but never in a heavy-handed manner. The positions taken by the author are presented with solid documentation, but never suggesting that he holds the only answers. The theory is presented with confident assurance backed by careful research, but lacking any hint of arrogance.
Perhaps as students of Christian counseling become acquainted with this text, the theory will be further developed and more voices will join with Dr. Walston. It would be a great service to the Church if the Body of Christ became better equipped to function with the wondrous gifts that God has provided for His precious sons and daughters.

I had never been introduced to this way of seeing the gifts before, and I was delighted by Dr. Walston's explanation of these gifts of the Spirit and how they are our personality types. For the first time I really have a handle on what my personality gifts are.

Ric Walston's approach to the "Motivational Gifts" found in Romans 12 is a delightful, and valuable resource for pastors, leaders, and laypeople alike.

He presents his approach well, and backs it up with tremendous direction to guide Christians to understanding and utilizing the gifts God has graciously given to every person. And his approach to accepting others and their giftedness, while not projecting our own upon them, is a valuable lesson we all need to learn.

This book, will help every Christian naturally fulfill "the will of God" in their everyday service to the Church. Offering their bodies as a living sacrifice which is their spiritual act of worship.

Dr. Rick Walston turns his attention to the spiritual gifts in this practical and readable manual designed to aid the Christian in discrening their gifts. Filled with Biblical examples and some good footnotes, this volume is designed for real world usage, not just casual reading. The inventory lets the reader apply Walston's methods to discern their spiritual gifts and then have the courage to look for ways to put these gifts to work.

This volume would make a wonderful gift, especially to church members who are trying to find their role in the church. It is a book that is equally applicable to new Christians as well as believers with a lot of mileage on their knees. This work is much better than the vocational discernment tools I was given by my denomination (United Methodist).

Highly recommended. Don't buy less than one copy, you'll want to share this gem!

If there is one important question that will affect your entire destiny it is, "How do I hear the Voice of God?" Written in a style that it more a personal counseling session that literature, this book will bring comfort to a confused heart.

One of the most important question you can ask that will affect your entire destiny it is, "How do I hear the Voice of God?" Written in a style that it more a personal counseling session that literature, this book will bring comfort to a confused heart.

In this practical and biblical examination of the gift of prophecy, Cindy Jacobs clearly defines what prophecy is and how it works. Attention is given to both personal prophecy and corporate prophecy.

This is probably the best book for those who are new to the Prophetic. It does an excellent job of outlining the history and basics of the gift of Prophecy (and Prophetic Intercession), teaching fundamentals that are needed to operate in ministry, and to recieve prophetic words more appropriately. More important than the information it provides is the fact that it motivates you to minister prophetically, and addresses much of the fear we have when we begin to operate in that realm. This book was not only packed full of information and encouragement, but Cindy Jacobs does an excellent job of making it an effortless read. In fact, it would have been easy to read in one sitting, had I not been so engrossed in the learning that I had to put it down each chapter and think and pray about each section. Overall I greatly recommend it for beginners who are just learning, and even the more seasoned ministers that need an encouragement boost.

Even though I have not finished reading this book, I have found it to be most helpful to me in regards to my prophetic ministry. I recommend this book to anyone who desires to know and understand the prophetic.

Thank you,
Betty J. Harris

An excellent read if you're a chronic nice guy.. A great book if you want to become more confident, direct and effective in relationships.

Michael A.

In reading the cover description, I could identify with the book immediately. The author gives some helpful tips and exercises to learn to be more assertive. I was so impressed with the content, I sent it to others in my family who might enjoy the information.

Sure, it's good to be nice, but you may be "too nice." If you are clingy, care too much what others think of you and minimize the bad personalities of the people around you, then your niceness may be hurting you. Authors James Rapson and Craig English recommend seven practices that will put you on the road to a more balanced emotional life - many of these approaches will be familiar to readers who have engaged in any sort of meditation or self-awareness exercises. Lists, sidebars and quotes make the book's ideas easily accessible - although integrating these practices into your daily life will require some work. We recommend this book to self-help beginners who are tired of having sand kicked in their faces and wish to develop their tranquility and strength of character.

After reading Anxious to Please I had insight into some of my mother's behavior. My memories include her obsessive baking of desserts and giving them away to coworkers, neighbors, doctors, anyone she had contact with. She often couldn't pay her bills but always had money to buy the ingredients for her gifts. It is obvious now that she was one of the original "chronically nice" people. She wanted to be liked by everyone (except perhaps family members who were locked into a relationship by blood). None of these people became real friends.

My husband also identified his father as one of the chronically nice, though he treated his wife very poorly. He gave big parties for extended family and acquaintances paying for literally truck loads of liquor. His dad also bought people (would be friends) gas for their cars. Generous to a fault? The family was not well to do, and his mother worked in a factory.

This book will, no doubt, give others insight into themselves and into friends and family. I suspect many people will recognize relatives, who might not have always been nice to them, but who gave away time and things to strangers in a quest to be liked.

Dana Paulinski MSW

Reading Anxious to Please was like having a light turned on in my life. "Wow, that's my stuff. I do those things. THAT'S ME!" The good news is, Anxious to Please helps you clean it all up with simple, practical steps anyone can follow. The book itself is easy to read and navigate through and return to again and again. What I especially liked (and found useful as illustrations) were the real-life case studies/examples that were always dead-on hitting the mark. The practices take you out of the darkness where you can see, identify, and then correct habitual behavior. And in the process, forge better and stronger relationships, both old and new. Thanks Rapson and English.

God used this book to show me some sinful attitude I had toward my unbelieving husband. Ouch!!!! It was also very encouraging. I have recommended it to several people. I had borrowed it from my church library but realized I needed my own copy to reread, highlight, & take notes in. Thank you Jo Berry for your work.

This book helped me see a lot of things in my life that I didn't realize that I was doing. I recommend this book to all people who are married to unbelievers or just want to help the unbelievers that are in your life. I will continue to use this book at a reference guide.

I first read this book shortly after it was published and have been blessed to see lives and marriages changed for the glory of God. You can read all the other great reviews about what this book is about, instead I offer you an idea that will change lives ... We all have sisters, some biological and many spiritual sisters. This book should be on every Christian woman's bookshelf. I keep several on my shelf to share with others. All women need this book because all women know of at least one other woman who needs this book (even if they are not married to an unbeliever), because we all have a sister or friend that finds herself in such a situation. Women if you care about your sister/s share this book. It will encourage her faith and your friendship. It will give your sister grace for today and hope for the future. Just ask her to read it and then ask her to "pay it forward" to another sister who needs to have her hope renewed.

I first bought this book about 13 years ago and worked through the study on my own. Since that time I have recommended it to others countless times and given away several copies. Using the study in it was such a blessing to my marriage and I am pleased to report that my husband is now walking closely with the Lord!
Beloved Unbeliever is well written, easy to read and understand. I recommend this book to any woman who is unequally yoked, whether her husband is unsaved or just lukewarm.

As a pastor if I am counceling a woman with an unbelieving husband I always give them this book to go and read. It often precludes many problems and solves many others leaving me to deal with the more pressing or difficult issues

"I'm going to do whatever I can to see justice is done in the courtroom. If the town burns down because of it, so be it." Those words were spoken by Roy Black, the author, who shares with readers his passion for defending the criminally accused. In this book, he tells the story of four trials. In one, he represented Luis Alvarez, a young cop who shot a black man which caused a large riot in Miami. Another case involved a bartender who faced death for murdering his girlfriend. In that case, Black dissects the botched police investigation and shows how to take apart a prosecution's case built on circumstantial evidence.

Throughout the book, there are many insightful practice tips for defense attorneys. For example, Black instructs for cross-examination that "although jurors needed to understand that the detectives had failed to do many things, I didn't wnat to transmit the impression that 'my client's guilty, but the cops blew the investigation and so they didn't prove it."

All four cases in the book read like great mysteries. Whether you are a defense attorney or not, you are sure to thoroughly enjoy this book.

Roy Black once said, "The kind of cases I handle are the ones people can't afford to lose." On the eve of yet another notorious public figure facing penitentiary chances, Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis made the call, "Get me Roy Black." And why not? Mr. Black has attained legendary status as one of the top legal minds in the country. From his days battling in the PD's office in Miami to his rise as Miami's `super lawyer' , Black's deft handling of the media makes for a formidable one-two punch when you combine his PR skills with his presence in the courtroom. Francis knows he's in for the fight of his life. The government has tattooed crosshairs on his back for the last ten years, and he knows he's facing the end of his rope. Who wouldn't hire Black?

This book encapsulates all that is Roy Black. Delivering gut-wrenching stories of trench warfare, he said, "My cases are World War III to me. I don't take prisoners when I go to trial." Attorneys make their living through words. And this book is a testament to that. Written for the everyday man, the style of writing is brief, easy to read, and compelling. It's as if Black is masterfully telling his stories to a jury. And once again, he wins them over. Highly recommended.

Do you sometimes wonder why anyone could possibly want to defend the scum, the losers, the obviusly-guilty-because-the newspapers-said-so? Well, if you think that way you will find a very good answer in this book. Roy Black describes four different cases which seemed impossible to defend, yet he did and did it well. He lets you in on what it's like to be on the defense side of the aisle. His writing style is smooth and flowing and each of the cases was so interesting I found it hard to put the book down. For me this was one of those books you can't help but read fast because it's fascinating, yet want to read slow so it lasts longer. For any True Crime genre fan, this is a MUST read.

I really enjoyed "Black's Law." He tells four different seemingly story-like narratives about four different cases. He discusses in detail every aspect of trying a case from research to voire dire. If you are interested in either legal strategy or just in a good story, you should read this book.

A great book. Written by a expert in communication. Each case brought you into the defense, you believe in the actions brought forward to give not only a legal defense by our constitution but to see a inocent person never is incarcerated,if that ever comes to pass. I would hope Mr. Black will write more, he is able to take a very complicated subject and break it down to a laymans understanding.

This book is remarkable. It is easy to read and easier to understand. I love the way it is broken down into segments, so that you don't have to try to absorb all the information at one time.

We bought this for our newly appointed Sargent at Arms to better conduct our union meeting professionaly. It has been a great help and very understandable.

This guide is well organized, accurate and fun to read. I've not only learned a lot from reading it, I've enjoyed the experience. If you have a specific question, the index and table of contents will direct you unerringly to the answer. If you need to know about Robert's Rules, this is the book to have.

VERY HELPFUL FOR THE FIRST TIMER. HIGHLITES BULLET POINTS AND OFFERS HELPFUL HINTS.

Just what the doctor ordered...!!! A complex and confusing subject TAMED to the needs of the layman. Great job and my thanks to the authors

I truely believe in the teaching of this book. I believe that everyone alive should read it. Rob Brendle's teachings about the "practice of proactive waiting" are not only insightful, they are practical and hold true to everyday life. Using the example David (from the Bible) and other everyday real-life examples, Brendle brings to light the struggle of figureing out your next step. It doesn't matter whether you know what you are destined to do, or you are still trying to figure that out, Brendle teaches that it is what you do while you wait that helps you become the man or woman you are destined to be.

I recommend this book to everyone. As a twenty-something who is still trying to figure out her calling is, I found this book helpful is teaching me to enjoy the now, and how to work towards what it is that God has planned for me. However, no matter what your age or place in life, this book has something to help you with your next step.

What do you do after the Lord has called you to be his special worker? Go off half cocked? Forget the whole thing? Become so bemused you just stand there, achieving nothing? The aim of In The Meantime is to help you realize God has truly called you, stop pleading with Him to let you know if He has, and start listening to Him, doing what He wants right now thus heading into your particular calling.

Using a new and interesting spotlight, pastor and author Rob Brendle illustrates his ideas with chapters from the life of David, shepherd, king, and psalmist. Themes discussed include: the wrong way to go about this adventure; accepting and learning from those who are in authority over you; do the job now at hand, don't wait for the `right' position; consent to the lessons of humility, and losing your life to find it; practice fleeing from sin; accept the costs of grace; make Bible reading, prayer, and patience an integral part of your life. Brendle quotes extensively from his own ministry and life, illustrates comprehensively with relevant Scripture, and cites many sources, Star Wars to the U.S. Hockey team. The closing section of notes, listing the references for Scripture used in this book, provides research material and is a fine devotional aid.

An associate pastor ministering to those in their twenties and thirties, Rob Brendle's vocabulary is very contemporary. With a light air, and a heart for the Lord, Brendle casts the age-old Christian themes in a modern light. Much of In The Meantime provokes new thought on Christian ideas, for instance: "Jesus massacred the devil that day in the wilderness, and just to show it could be done, he did it in the weakest human condition imaginable." (p. 178). Readers of all ages, teens to retirees like me, who are truly seeking to follow their Lord, will find this book valuable and interesting. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

Rob Brendle uses some imaginative and insightful stories to clearly demonstrate what we all feel when spoken to by God, how to deal with calling he gives us, and how to confidently and proactively wait for God's plan, God's journey for us, to unravel. Thank you Rob, but more so thank you God, for having inspired this man to put pen to paper in order to give us greater understanding of your love and plans for our lives.

Daniel and Dayna Webb, UK

So, you have looked at your life and asked yourself "What is the big picture" or you are saying "I know the big picture so beam me up Scotty". But, nothing is happening. You are frustrated and ready to tear your hair out. Relax, you are in your prime time with God.

This book has the humor, and the guts, to show you how to discern God's heart for your life and how to relax and work into your calling with God.

Rob utilizes personal experience, biblical stories, and theology to weave an intricate story about his life, which by the way, probably looks a lot like your life to.

I suggest reading the book, then buying a dozen for your friends.

This is the first book of hopefully many from this young Associate Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co. The writer blends the narrative of the life of King David with his personal life experiences, resulting in a guide on how to live out one's specific calling. Rob fills the book with his energy, wit, wisdom, and biblical insight, along with his personal relationship with his Lord and Creator.

While the book's main focus is how to live out God's personal and specific calling, the principles set forth are invaluable for those navigating the general calling of God. Regardless of the reader's life circumstances, the principles in this book will help them to live life well.

It is my sincere hope that this is the first of many writings from this gifted and talented young man, and look forward to the next book.

I bought this book when it was first published and used it as a primer to learn how to cook. It is highly practical with the chapters arranged by technique (boiling, braising, sauteing, etc). And it is well illustrated with simple drawings that effectively communicate how to execute those techniques. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who are just learning to cook. Unfortunately, even though it was re-issued a few years ago in both hardcover and paperback, the used booksellers think this book must be worth its weight in gold. It isn't. If you can find a copy in good condition at a reasonable price, consider buying it. If not, look for James Peterson's -Essentials of Cooking- which, in many ways, is a superior book and should be available at a sane price.

Selection, technique and associated recipes from this legend make this a book one turns to often. Mine is worn out from over fifteen years of usage. You'll put it profit in your kitchen.

This is the classic of American cooking, the first cookbook to own and the one you go back to all your life.
Beard had a brilliant sense for food, and in this book he shares concepts and approaches, explaining the equipment you use, and the techniques, methodically, clearly and with his particular elan.
Anyone can follow this book. But between the recipes presented throughout the book (organized in the unusual manner of by technique - things you boil, things you bake, things you roast, etc.) and the concordance (organized by food), you can find great recipes and just plain information and direction to help you make just about enough food to last a lifetime.
I brought it with me to France and still rely on it.

This classy reprint of a standard cooking guide deserves a spot on the shelf of any serious cook's collection: this edition provides an introduction by Julia Child and a foreword by Barbara Kafka as it covers the basics methods and ingredients of good cooking, with a healthy dose of Beard's philosophy added for spice.

A must for anyone who loves good food. I bought my copy about 20 years ago in my bachelor days, and still refer to it regularly. If you can learn the techniques in this book and in "From Julia Child's Kitchen," you'll be in the 99th percentile of home cooks. Add a couple of Pierre Franey's 60-Minute Gourmet or Cuisine Rapide volumes, and you and yours will eat well for life.

This book is Biblically sound and has great applications for daily life whether you are young or old, married or single. It's vital for women to understand how significant they are in God's eyes, and what better way to find that out than to see how He works in the lives of women from Eve to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and beyond to the Biblical account of Paul's interactions with the women of Philippi. Discover how a woman like Tamar could be called righteous! Men also need to understand this book's message. Christian husbands and all men, especially those in church leadership, will gain much by understanding God's multifaceted roles for women.

I lead a women's bible study for 20 women. Lost Women of the Bible is a wonderful study filled with thought provoking ideas and questions for reflection. After every chapter we enjoy vibrant discussions of the study and the women in it. It has given us a new perspective on the role God has set forth for us.

This is an absolutely wonderful encouraging book for anyone. Women, to enhance their christian walk and men to see what the womens walk is & was!!!

Carolyn Custis James' book offers hope to women who don't fit the traditional Christian woman mould (wife and mother and support to husband's ministry). She herself found that marriage and motherhood came very late and consequently she wrestled with her position and value within the church as a single woman; but these are not modern problems, she found many examples in the Bible of women who couldn't fit into those roles and yet had great value.

The author features women from both Old and New Testaments - Eve, Mrs Noah, Sarah, Hagar, Tamar, Hannah, Esther, Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene and the women of Philippi - who have different stories of their contribution to God's plans. These stories also show the failures of the women as well as their successes and some, such as Tamar, are partially rehabilitated through a fresh look at the story. Many of these women struggled against cultural situations that are no longer relevant to our Western society and yet the underlying themes were all valid.

The book is well-written in a light and readable style with good scholarship underlying the historical settings. Each chapter has a study guide at the end so I imagine this book might work well for a women's group. The overall conclusion of so many of these stories is that women don't have to just be meek, mild, pure homemakers but can be strong warriors for God alongside their husbands, if they have them, or on their own. Definitely an encouraging read for any women who want to make a difference for God.

Having been a feminist Evangelical Christian for many years (yes, such creatures do exist!), I've read plenty of books on women and the Bible, women in the Bible, and what the Bible says about women. Having had a long break on this subject, I decided to jump back in with this book.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is the author's look at a variety of women and attempting to flesh out their lives. I appreciate her perspective as someone who truly longed to have her life fit the traditional wife and mother role, yet found herself disappointed and confused when that didn't happen. Although my personal path has been different -- I'm ambivalent on the idea of perhaps someday having a husband and kids (and having worked with kids for a few years I find myself even more convinced that they're great for awhile, but then I'm ready to send them home); this was in fact one of the reasons I became a feminist (I got so frustrated with people telling me that I must LONG to be married and have kids when I did not in fact have this desire, and felt God calling me in other directions, at least for the time being) -- I could appreciate the hard questions she asked herself. Furthermore, I appreciated some of her responses. Throughout history, countless women have ended up living their whole lives without ever becoming a wife or mother. Some longed to but never received that joy; others felt no particular interest or knew they were called in other directions. Many of those women were genuine Christians trying to follow God. Logically, if these two paths were God's only calling for women, why did some never get that chance? And why were many of the women who never did get the chance still considered holy followers of God?

I also enjoyed the women she looked at. Some of the women -- Sarah, Esther, and the two Marys, among others -- are frequently written about or discussed. Others get more scant mention. I think my favorite chapter was about Hagar. I have long loved her, and loved the way that God turned His gaze towards a lowly slave considered just property by her owners. The chapter on Tamar was also good, although a part of me was a bit surprised. I hadn't heard many comments about her, and although at one point in time I had thought she hadn't acted well I eventually came to the conclusion that she was acting in the most righteous way she could see (note that she doesn't pretend to be a prostitute until years of waiting have shown her she has no other option, and she doesn't linger to find a few more customers just in case she didn't get pregnant from Judah; she very deliberately enticed one of two men -- the other being Judah's third son -- that was legally required to provide what she had to get by tricking him). It surprised me to hear that Tamar had such a bad reputation in many Christian circles. Be that as it may, I felt like the author did a good job of drawing out the specific circumstances in her life and pointing out that although her exact methods might no longer be appropriate, her desires and ultimate motives do provide a positive example.

I only had one major criticism of the book (well, two, but the second is merely a matter of personal taste). Much of her fleshing out of the biblical characters came from logical consideration of both the text and of the way that humans usually act. None of her conclusions and guesses were far-fetched. Sometimes, however, she forgot that they were guesses and called them facts. For example, she wrote that "Hannah always felt the enormity of her sacrifice, as any mother would." Or about Mary Magdalene that, "Mary wasn't seeking Jesus.... Mary was a demoniac... [who] wanted Jesus to go away." Or that, "No matter what happened afterward [i.e., after the Crucifixion], Mary never erased those horrifying images from her memory." Now, none of these surmises are false; in fact, I'm guessing they're true. Hannah undoubtedly felt Samuel's loss all her life. As the author points out, demoniacs in the Bible never sought Jesus out, and Mary probably didn't either. And I can't imagine being able to forget seeing one of your dearest friends tortured as Jesus was. None of these are bad assumptions. Assumptions, however, is the correct name for them. Had the author been more careful about this I would have been happier with the book (this is the reason for the 4 stars).

The other detail that I wished were changed was the women she dealt with. I had no problems with the ones she picked; I just wish she would have picked more! (this is probably a good sign about the quality of the book) As I read it, I kept making a list of other women I would like to have her include in "Lost Women of the Bible II". Some of them included: Rebeckah (sp?), Leah, Rachel, Dinah, the two Hebrew midwives, Miriam, Rahab, the murdered concumbine from Judges (along with Lot's daughters, actually; they could have their own chapter), Deborah (how could she have left out DEBORAH???), Abigail, Bathsheba, Priscilla, Tabitha/Dorcas, the woman at the well, and so on. I would even have liked a look at some of the REAL "bad girls" such as Delilah, Jezebel, or Israel's one reigning queen (Athaliah, I think); a look at their lives, their strengths, and how they used those strengths in sinful ways not intended by God (plus a look at the ways they've been used throughout the ages against women, and any positive lessons we can learn from them) would be interesting reading.

In general, I would highly recommend this book (I was spending most of my reading trying to figure out which friend I was going to loan it to first). It gives cause for thoughtful contemplation of women in the Bible, and what it means to be both a woman following her true God-given calling (which may include marriage and children, both good things given as gifts by God, but may not) and a man encouraging and being encouraged by women doing these things.