Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You through Life's Transitions
4.8
24
5
1
Paperback
USD
13.49
$13.49
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780800724399 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Baker Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 09/15/2015 |
| Pages: | 224 |
| Sales rank: | 522,908 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You through Life's Transitions
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
25 reviews.
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Sweet, personal, and honest.
I saw the cover of this book first (yes, I've always got my eye toward design) and I just loved what it represented. The seasons, change, new life. All of it! Then I got around to reading the title and thought this was something I should read.
Right off the bat I connected with what Kristen was saying--how she pinpointed what I'm sure a lot of women feel. Change is hard. You may be one of those women who loves change (as I'd say I do in some cases) but Kirsten pointed out that change for change's sake isn't really good change. It's all in how we view and meet the change that matters.
From a devotional standpoint I did enjoy the book, though it took me much too long to finish it. I think this was somewhat due to busyness, other reading/work I had, and some what do to lack of extreme connection. For me, a devotional book really needs to speak to a need that I have. While I feel like there is a lot of change in my life now and coming in the future, I didn't feel as gripped (if I can use that word) to Girl Meets Change. Not for lack of wanting though.
I found Kirsten's writing to be strong and to the point--both things I love! And I think she did a good job of seeking out stories to add here and there along with her own personal anecdotes. I did enjoy that she used examples of Biblical characters, but I found that they were "typical" characters. Esther, Jacob, Abraham...Now there is nothing wrong with these examples, and for those who haven't grown up in the church or don't know the Bible well, these may have pointed out "light bulb" ideas, but I found that I wasn't challenged to see their stories in a new light.
To me, there wasn't a moment of awakening where I realized something new about myself - which is often why I read devotional books (aside from my own Bible reading, of course). Don't get me wrong, I did my fair share of highlighting and Kristen had some amazing gems that I took to heart. But I just didn't connect in a "wow, this book changed me" type of way (ironically). And that's okay. Not all books will.
I would still be confident in recommending this to women who know they have a difficult time with change or those who are facing an upcoming change that could be difficult, scary, exciting, or crazy-new. Kirsten's attention to scripture and her constant encouragement will mean a lot.
Originally posted on my blog:
http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/02/girl-meets-change-by-kristen-strong.html
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
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All of us have changes that occur throughout our lives. Some are happy and expected ones, like the birth of my new grandchild, some are unexpected, like a doctor's diagnosis or a pop test. Some of the changes can leave us cringing with fear. Facing each of these can be helped along when we allow God to guide us through all of the changes. This book leads a person along, helping them to calm down and think of God.
This book would be helpful to anyone at anytime so when those changes occur the reaction will be a natural one.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
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Change happens to all of us. Sometimes it's anticipated and celebrated, such as having a baby or getting married. Other times, it isn't something we planned for or wanted, such as a car accident or death. But our attitude when the change happens is what dictates how we will feel during and after that change. The author knows all about change and has written a heart felt book about how to deal gracefully with change as it comes. She talks about how to draw from your faith to handle the things that might not have turned out how you had planned.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and interesting. The flow of the book felt like I was having a chat with the author. She incorporated personal stories to bring out her points. Plenty of scripture and biblical references made this a strong, faith-filled book. Since the author struggles with change, her writing gives the feel of comradery and encouragement. While the book is geared towards women, I think men might enjoy reading it as well.
I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.
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_Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You through Life's Lessons_, by Kristen Strong, is the ideal book to grab and curl up with this autumn since the fall season ushers in new beginnings, transitions, and changes aplenty. Think of _Girl Meets Change_ as your go-to guide if, like the author and women everywhere, you resist change. Through Strong's encouraging words and stories, you'll see how God can transform you into a better version of yourself as you embrace the changes He brings into your life. I love what the author says about overcoming limitations that come alongside change, "Here's the exciting thing: we can actually thrive through change because of the limitations themselves, not just in spite of them . . . Life's limitations are God's invitation to change our expectations. Limitations unfold his intentions to travel a narrower path of possibilities." To help connect you closer to God while opening your heart to the possibilities and plans He has for your life, each chapter concludes with a meaningful prayer that reinforces its concept. Are you ready to thrive, rather than just survive, through the changes ahead? Then _Girl Meets Change_ will cheer lead you through.
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Strong doesn't necessarily stand apart from the other blogger/writers, I did enjoy her writing style. Strong writes straight to the point, doesn't meander from story to story or try to make vague connections. The writing is clear. I can easily and quickly understand what she is trying to communicate. It's easy to see that just by looking at the slim volume.
Just about every chapter, Strong shares a story featuring a Biblical character or someone she knows personally. By doing this, she really took the focus off herself and made the topic of change about everyone
Overall, this was a great book by a debut author who has a great future ahead of her. It didn't hit my heart directly, but I did pick up a few tips and ideas for my upcoming big life change. I'll certainly read Strong's next book and pray that what she did well here in 'Girl Meets Change' continues onward. 4 stars and I can recommend it to all who struggle and/or resist change or are facing some big life changes right now.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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For me, it was a case of the right book at the right time when Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong showed up in my mailbox. I am walking through a season of boys coming and boys going; setting the table each night with only four plates . . . or hearing that we may possibly need nine plates; adjusting to my mother’s presence in our home — and then adjusting to her absence after her transition to the nursing home.
I’ve always thought that I was a flexible person, and if I had been asked (and I wasn’t), I would have said that change is a good thing — healthy, invigorating. I realize, of course, now that I was thinking of change rather narrowly:
1. Change that is my idea;
2. Change that produces a good outcome — as I would define it.
Kristen offers a more helpful definition:
Change is leaving “the comforts of what is to embrace the potential of what will be.”
She does not offer pat answers or an easy fix. Nor does she assert that adjustment to change is just something we need to “get over.” Instead Girl Meets Change is about her own journey of letting go of white-knuckle control of her circumstances and trusting in the all-knowing, sovereign God who orchestrates her life — sometimes with harmonies that were strange to her ears.
She has woven inspirational journeys from her friends’ lives along with deft renderings of the inspired accounts of people like Joseph, Esther, and Naomi who opened their hearts to God’s detours and changed the course of history.
If I’m going to have a change of heart about change, I need to make my home in the rock-solid truth of Scripture — that never changes.
Capture
If you are curious to see how friendly you REALLY are with change, take this fun quiz! It took it . . .and apparently I still have some work to do. How about you?
This book was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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This book is all about women not only facing change in their life but also embracing it. Several Biblical stories such as the story of Joseph, Ruth, and Esther are given as examples. There is also heavy emphasis on Jesus and his story, giving this book much of a Christian undertone. In terms of the real-life examples from modern day, those were spot on...for certain people. The examples were interesting, but they just didn't hit home for me. Being a young working professional, I could not relate to the change of marriage, divorce, children leaving the home, and so forth. Still, that does not mean I did not enjoy the book. The book did hold my attention was kept me thinking about how others in the world are going through so much (even if it is not the same change I am going through).
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In her book, Girl Meets Change, Kristen Smith explains that “change is an absolute provision of God’s grace.” Change is the way God brings us to a new experience, a new place, or a new dream to bring us fulfillment through the working of His plan in and through our lives.
I will admit, I don’t like change. Actually, not one little bit. And I don’t do well with it. From the outside, it may look like I am doing well but if it were possible to see my insides, well then the truth would be known, as they are a jumbled mess when in the flux of changes.
So how can we best handle transitions?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV)
We must face these times of change with constant prayer. Maybe even, down on your knees kind of prayer. When was the last time we humbled ourselves before Him, down on our knees, lifting up our souls to Him?
Did you notice we are told to give thanks “in everything”? Why do we only give thanks for those things we enjoy or like or feel like be thankful? It is in everything that we can give thanks. We are even told that giving thanks in all things is the will of God for our lives.
In “Girl Meets Change”, Kristen reminds us:
Gratitude isn’t something we remember every once in a while during the good times. It’s something we remember every day, no matter the season. It is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke of when he wrote,
“Only he who gives thanks for the little things receives the big things. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts he has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts … We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts.” (from page 120)
This book is a wonderful read, encouraging for any change in life. Kristen pulls from her own life experiences, quotes from others and rich with Scripture to provide a foundation to handling the many changes in life.
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What a beautiful inspiring book. With a very beautiful and easy to read writing style, Kristen lets us all in a little secret, that we may forget at times....we are never alone, no matter how lonely we feel. EVERYONE experiences change, maybe it's all a little different, but we can all sypathize with the feeling. Using interesting and/funny real life story's, she shows us some beautiful messages from God. Highly recommend....whether you are going through change now or not!
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Kristen's honesty had me in laughter, in tears, and feeling blessed. Change isn't always easy, but whatever you are going through right now, this book will encourage and uplift you. A must read!
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"Girl Meets Change" is a must have for any reader's book collection to revisit during seasons of change! Kristen shares stories from the heart of different seasons of change in her life as well as the lives of other. Every chapter features scripture and lovely prayers. Reading this book has helped me with past, present and even future seasons of change by deepening my faith.
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“Change isn’t something to be feared or dreaded. It’s just the next step, His next best thing for you.”
Change is something we all experience. It’s inevitable and often met with resistance, fear, or dread. In this heartfelt book, Kristen Strong shares ways to embrace the changes we experience and realize they are part of God’s purpose for our life. She shares insight, experience, and practical advice for finding peace, purpose, and hope through life’s transitions. I delighted in the wisdom and encouragement offered in these pages and look forward to sharing this book with others. Girl Meets Change is a wonderful book that shares an inspiring message!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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God’s timing is always perfect, including the timing of me reading this wonderful book! I love the author’s perspective and approach in dealing with change in a positive and productive way.
As I experience changes in my life, instead of being consumed by fear, this book has equipped me with tools to be able to identify the opportunities found in life’s changes.
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My latest book review is a nonfiction, Christian motivational book called Girl Meets Change, by Kristen Strong. As the title suggests, this book is to help you deal with change. Strong uses Biblical and personal stories throughout the text to illustrate how change can turn our world upside-down, but also how we can rely on God to shape us through the changes. This book is an easy read. It is a lot like talking with a good friend. The writing flows very well, as Strong incorporates her own stories with those of friends and Biblical figures to get her points across. This book deals with big, big changes, like cancer and divorce, but it also doesn't minimize how much small change can affect our lives. Strong pulls verses from scripture to bolster her encouragement that we can get through all things with God's help. There is a nice appendix that lists Bible verses to focus on when change threatens to overwhelm you. Overall, this book is a very uplifting look at dealing with the many changes life brings us, whether we want them or not.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my review, but all opinions are my own.
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Girl Meets Change is for every woman who has struggled to roll out the welcome mat for change in their life. As a military wife, I have been taught to expect change, but that doesn't mean I have always embraced it, and Kristen totally gets that. With personal experience and biblical truth, she meets you right where you are and invites you not to get over the changes in your life, but to instead go through them with God and learn how to thrive in the midst of them.
In a messy season of unwelcome change, this book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Kristen has such a gift for befriending and encouraging her readers. Her words gave me permission I didn’t even know I was looking for to grieve the loss of what was, contentment in seeing His hand and blessings in the now and hope for the future in knowing that “change is just God’s next step to my next best thing.”
Wanted or not, change will always find us, and I’m so grateful for this wonderful resource that will carry me through again and again.
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Change. It's like my own personal four-letter word...except with two extra letters thrown in for good measure! Kristen Strong's words of encouragement and poignant insight help cast a new light on change. Reading her book is like having the opportunity to sit down with your close friend over your favorite cup of coffee (or chai!) from your favorite place and simply connect! We all experience change in such a wide variety of ways - Girl Meets Change is an excellent guide to help you see change in a whole new light.
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Well, I am a girl who actually likes change. Sometimes it's the sweet spice of life, but this year the spice has been balanced with the sour. Between losing my mom, selling our childhood home, moving (again) with our pack of six kids, and readjusting to new normals by the month, I'm a little weary of change. The tough ones. I read Kristen's book at 35,000 feet above the earth heading to yet another change. Her words resonated like a warm pep talk from a girlfriend over a cup of coffee. I found myself nodding slowly and smiling at the similarities. In the end, no matter the changes, I found glorious peace in knowing our loving Father is unchanging and never surprised. Girl Meets Change is the just the book you need to navigate the road of change. You'll find it is a wonderful read and comforting companion.
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Girl Meets Change – Book Review
This book, written by former military wife Kristen Strong, is one of the best I’ve read recently. It tackles the subject of change – which most people are adverse to and try to avoid. However, change does greet a person during their lifetime – and usually several times. Kristen addresses change – whether it is brought about by your own idea as in “I am choosing to switch jobs” or if it is imposed on you by someone or something else (i.e. The U.S. Government who employs your spouse tells you where to move next) – and some simple ways to rearrange your thinking to make it a positive experience instead of a negative one.
Throughout the book Kristen relates stories from her own personal life and those of people around her that really give you a clear picture of how change affects everyone and how your attitude towards it can help you or hinder you along the way. She also points us directly to God and how his love can also help along the way. Sometimes change can be huge and sometimes change can be small, but we are all affected by change in one way or another. If you, like me, sometimes deal with change like a toddler by kicking and screaming and throwing a huge fit – this book is for you. Or if you usually handle just fine, you could also benefit from this book and handle it better than fine. Just by changing your attitude and focus of the change, can help you deal with it so much better!
I read this book at a time when my husband transitioned out of the military into the civilian world, we moved the family across the country, the kids started new schools in a state they never lived in before; to say that we experienced change is an understatement. But with Kristen’s book was such a wonderful gift at just the right time in my life to help me handle everything that was going on. I cannot recommend it enough!!
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Kristen Strong is no stranger to change. After growing up on a street bearing her last name, surrounded by extended family, she met and fell head over heels in love with a man in uniform - a military uniform. Shortly after she walked down the aisle into the arms of her military man, a woman used to consistency and familiarity found herself thrust into a world known for change. Though she entered into this new life dragging her heels, God slowly began to show her that change was all part of his plan for her life and that the change held the promise of His presence. The transition wasn't quick or easy, but through the journey Kristen was able to find that God's plan for the changes in her life was so much more than she could ever imagine. When she was able to really understand that change wasn't something to be afraid of, she was able to see that "change is an absolute provision of God's grace." Girl Meets Change is the story of Kristen's journey, accompanied by the wisdom she gained along the way and some absolutely amazing encouragement.
Whether you're facing some unexpected changes in life or just have a hard time accepting change in general, this is the book for you. Reading it feels like you've joined Kristen in her living room for a cup of tea and some friendly conversation. Along with Biblical wisdom and personal stories, the pages contain some of the encouragement Kristen is known for. Reading this book is the next best thing to getting to chat with her in person and glean some lessons from her life experiences. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone out there who needs some fresh perspective on change.
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"Kristen Strong has lived through many changes and live to tell about it. She shares her story in a way that is both engaging, entertaining and inspiring.
Girl Meets Change is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and highlighted many portions. I have encouraged many friends to buy the book and look forward to sharing it with others.
Kristen has gifted readers of Girl Meets Change with lessons that will help us believe change is not in the way of God's plan for us but on the way. I couldn't put it down."
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Kristen Strong had me when she admitted that change she didn't orchestrate was about as welcome as chewing off her own right arm.
Um, absolutely.
Is there a secret handshake for this club of change-averse people? Maybe I should come up with one. Heck, I even view the change of seasons with suspicion, until the new charms of nature woo me into Spring, or Summer, or Fall.
And who hasn't experienced change, with a capital C?
Somebody you care about goes away and your heart walks on out of your body and goes with them.
Something you depend on- steady employment or educational opportunities- shifts under your feet and you're left trying to decide on our next move.
Life's fragility becomes intensely personal... there's an illness or a death, and you just want "the way things used to be," to be the way they are again.
Change doesn't look the same for any two people, but we likely feel the same when we meet it. Kristen compares change to her 6' 5" cousin. Despite the fact that he was a gentle giant, people stepped aside to clear his path. Change is that big guy... we want to hunker down in a corner and hope he doesn't see us. We're concerned just looking at him.
Today was one of those days. Recently, someone I love has been trying to make an important move in their life. Everything seemed to come together, and then it derailed again, with more stress added to the mix. I'm hurting just watching them.
Kristen's book challenged me to believe: there is a God-for-me story, and a God-for-my-friend story. And that change that I want to fight off and run from and dig out from underneath as fast as I can? Well, that change is ON our way, not IN our way.
So, how does the Gospel illuminate change, transition, and the unknown? How do we keep moving when the wanted-change doesn't happen, and the change-we-didn't-choose is breathing in our ears?
Kristen turns our faces towards the God who never runs short of grace or glory.
She writes, "He loves me through all ancient and future time, so whatever circumstances are a part of my story are a part of his everlasting love for me too.... When I sit in times of change, I remember I also sit in his everlasting love."
Somehow, Kristen managed to spread the truth of Scripture onto my heart with each page she penned. She's asking me to take a risk, to believe God in the changes. Yes, I desire the changes I think would be good for me. Yes, I dread the changes that cause me trouble and worry.
I know there's the kind of change where wonderful things come into your life, and there's the kind of change that is synonymous with loss. Yet I have the same God at all times, the God who came for me and made me whole, and he has restoration in mind and not ruin.
"Girl Meets Change" is TNT inside the cute cover. Join me and give a read, will you?
I thank Revell Publishers for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
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Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong is a beautiful reminder that God is with us all the time, before, during & after something we face almost every day - change. Kristen exposes the truths from the Word and uses personal stories from her life & friends to give us hope & opportunities to be grateful and thrive as we cling to those truths.
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As I enter a season that includes multiple changes in parenthood, friendships, and daily life, I’m grateful to have Kristen’s book as a companion. Her words reminded me God has a purpose with the seasons we experience. “Girl Meets Change” is packed with truth, wisdom, and love that truly will help carry you through life’s transitions.
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Whether chosen or unexpected, all change brings stress. I have long said that the only constants in this life are God and change. Change is inevitable. In my education programs we were taught to be ready to modify and adapt our lesson plans and our schedules to meet the needs of the students and the school. Change happens. There's a reason why my personal military wife life motto is "Semper Gumby: Always Flexible." It's a reminder to me to be ready to change, to be open to change.
With that being said, change is not always easy nor is it always fun. Enter Kristen Strong's debut book Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You through Life's Transitions. As a military wife for 20 years, she has learned a few things about change and how to navigate transitions.
I really wish this book had been around for me when my husband decided to go active duty. I might not have been as resistant to his wishes as I was (and am ashamed to admit now). But the good news is that it is available now, and it's not just for military wives. It's for ALL WOMEN DEALING WITH CHANGE. Last time I checked, that pretty much encompasses everyone.
I highly recommend this book. For more info, visit the author: www.chasingblueskies.net and www.girlmeetschange.com
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