Read Them Love Them (The Rhinestone Misfit Place)

If all three of the books I’m about to share with you became a family, that family’s message would be something along the lines of don’t be afraid to say yes in your own struggling, imperfect places.

Here! Here! and Amen.

A good friend of mine was out-of-town last week, so before picking up my kids from school on Friday, I stopped by her place to do a little writing. (And lest you think I’m some kind of empty house stalker, I have my friend’s permission to do this. And while we’re on the subject, am I the only writer out there that needs a change of scenery from time to time that isn’t a coffee shop?)

Anyway, I got a little writing done, but before long I found myself being wooed by a book I recently received in the mail: Myquillyn Smith’s The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful. I pulled the gorgeous hard-back book from my bag, curled my legs beneath me and once again got lost in Myquillyn’s signature savvy, hilarious voice.

And once again I lost track of time.

After reading Chapter 5 and daydreaming of ways to rearrange my rag tag office furniture, I looked at the clock and shot up from the sofa as I gathered my things. I raced outside and hopped into my minivan, late to pick up my kids. And that’s when my Honda Odyssey and I backed out of the driveway and right into the driver’s door of the car parked across the street.

So here’s what I’m saying: read Nesting Place with caution. It might cause you to dwell on her words and forget a few things, like picking up your kids from school or parked cars behind driveways.

Or at least it might if you tend to err on the side of absent-mindedness like yours truly.

In all seriousness, I am completely smitten with this book. Myquillyn will always hold a special place in my heart because with the exception of Beth Moore’s blog, her Nesting Place blog was the first one I read. So when I received her book, I literally kicked up my heels and danced.

I don’t have a special talent for home decorating, but I do love to make my home warm, inviting, and enjoyable. Myquillyn is the first decorating expert who made this decorating-challenged girl feel capable. The first person who helped me get past my ugly perfectionist streak so I didn’t have to wait ’til all my decorating ducks were in a row before enjoying a room. In Nesting Place, Myquillyn shows us that a project or a room doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. She gives us permission to embrace imperfection and gratitude so we can be content in the house we are in today.

Without a doubt, Nesting Place is the book I wish I’d had 10+ houses/apartments/condos ago but the one I’m thrilled and thankful to have today. Read here to find out more and where to get your copy today.

Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God when Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough In 2011, I got to know Kristen beyond her popular blog, We Are THAT Family, when we roomed together at a retreat. From our first conversation, I noticed Kristen is a spectacular blend of quiet boldness mixed with a genuine, infectious personality. Her memoir Rhinestone Jesus releases this Thursday, and this compelling read speaks volumes of that same quiet boldness. Plus her writing style is so personable, you’ll think Kristen is sitting right beside you while you read.

If you’ve ever worn your faith as something sincere yet ornamental rather than substantial (raising hand here!), then you’ll love Kristen’s book. Her words give us permission to say yes to more God, smack dab in the middle of our messes and all. Read here to find out more and where to get your copy Thursday, May 1st.

Spiritual Misfit: A Memoir of Uneasy Faith I received an advanced reading copy of Michelle DeRusha’s new book in the mail (hence no personal cover pic because the cover looks a bit different) and immediately dove in. Y’all, Spiritual Misfit is a beautiful, compelling read. I have never identified myself as a spiritual misfit, but in my own way I’ve still wrestled with faith and doubt.  Michelle tackles this tough topic – the coexistence of faith and doubt – with a tenderness and authenticity rarely seen in nonfiction. Not only do her stories tell of her honest struggles to believe in God and believe in His abundant love for her, but they are told in a compelling way that made me think, cry, and laugh. Whether your faith history looks like Michelle’s or completely different, you will identify with much of her story. This book is drenched in the message of hope, and I loved it. Read here to learn more about Michelle’s book as well as where you can get your copy. It’s available now.

On a personal note about Michelle, I roomed with her at Allume a couple years ago (I sense a trend!) and I fell in love with that girl. She is so sweet and has a crazy sharp wit, the kind of wit that sticks with you. So when you remember something she says weeks (months? years?) after she said it, you still find yourself grinning and laughing out loud. Come to think of it, that’s also what I did several times while reading her book. It not only fed me an abundance of hope, but it offered a healthy side dish of laughter.

 What books are you reading or have you recently read? Any recommendations ~ nonfiction or fiction?

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