Rate this book

Restless: Because You Were Made For More (2014)

by Jennie Allen(Favorite Author)

4.29 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0849947065 (ISBN13: 9780849947063)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Thomas Nelson Publishers

review 1: This book lives on the shelf with Helpful Gamechanging spiritual reads. I can't think of the last book that was *this* practical and inspiring. My middle name is Restless, so the theme especially spoke to me. I participated in the online chats with Jennie Allen and Jamie Ivey which drove home how needed this message of encouraging women to live in the fullness of their Christ-given callings is. The text itself is well-written but very simple. I gave this book 5 stars because of the reader response portion of the book. It offers such great context and utility to the lessons in this book and I literally marked up just about every page. The response sections are not like dorky workbook. Think: small opportunities to write down thoughts, ideas in a way that feels purposeful an... mored ignites action. I would recommend this book to any woman who is trying to discern her spiritual gifts and how to use them.
review 2: 4.5 stars“Do you feel restless?What if this feeling weren’t a bad thing?”Jennie Allen begins her recent study Restless (Thomas Nelson, 2014) with this question. Jennie says of this: “This feeling could be a longing, a restlessness for more of God. It could push us to move forward, to live epic lives that were designed before the foundations of earth were laid."“Why such a restlessness for purpose? Because it is possible to waste our lives.” – p. 12 Many have us have struggled with finding our specific purpose in our pasts (or currently for some). As Jennie says, “Every one of us with breath in our lungs still has something left to do” (p. 13).Can I use even my interests for God’s purposes? Jennie says “yes” to that and much more.Our interests can collide with purpose, as long as we are building for God and sharing His love and glory. “At the base of our souls, are we building for God or us?” – p. 40Beyond even our desires, Jennie makes the point that all of us can be used for His glory, even our suffering. “What if your scars point to a greater story?” – p. 78Like Jennie’s other studies, this study remains very Scripture-focused. Readers study Joseph’s story along with Jennie’s reflections and guiding questions to look at how God is present throughout our lives for a purpose. This study is set up for a group experience in all aspects: through the way the introduction is worded, the “Ask” conversation cards, and more. An individual can still read the study and gain from it (as I have), but group study will produce additional results.The study kit includes the main workbook (which each individual group member would need an additional copy), the leader guide, “Ask” conversation cards for group discussion, and a DVD of eight sessions from Jennie.Each chapter of the workbook begins with an introduction story, one or two chapters of Scripture reading, then “respond” questions to help the reader look at truth within the smaller parts and phrases of that particular section of the Bible. Each chapter goes on to include four “projects” that are deeply reflective. These projects dive into introspection, consideration, and genuine application of the chapter’s material.The leader’s guide describes the format and offers leading and discussion tips. It includes discussion questions for each chapter’s individual “homework” (the chapter reading in the workbook), “main idea” sentence summaries to share with the group, and format reminders. The DVD sessions run roughly 15-20 minutes each and incorporate a small-group setting with Jennie and other women (some of whom share bits of their own stories).I was particularly struck by the chapter on suffering. Jennie’s writing is straightforward, not flowery, but still powerful. She’s genuine and honest in her own doubts and struggles, which encourage me as a reader and learner. With the introspective nature of this material, I imagine a small group of just three or four people would allow for a powerful application of this study.Disclosure: I received a free copy of this study kit from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I did not receive monetary compensation. less

Download links for: Restless: Because You Were Made for More

Advertising