It only took about 20 pages into this book before I was thinking, "Ho-hum, do I really need to finish this thing?" But yes, this looked like something one of my readers might pick up in a Christian bookstore, or even a used bookstore, so I made myself get through it. Happily, once I hit Part 2 (page 57), things improved in a hurry.
The biggest thing this book has going for it is its practicality, including detailed lists. When I write blog posts, many comment that lists help them keep things organized in their minds, so I occasionally use one. Well, this extremely organized author shares with you every single practical detail in several lists showing how she changed herself from an idle, let-life-happen-around-you wife and mother to someone who does her best to make every minute count toward her goal of becoming like King David—"after God's own heart." As she says, "I am on assignment from God to—" be a submissive wife, support my husband, teach my children, manage my home, and on and on. If anything will give you motivation, that mindset certainly will.
Here is my biggest problem with this book: Mrs. George seems to think that only by following her rigorous methods can we become women after God's own heart. Unfortunately, even looking back on my younger years, I can tell immediately that not every one of these specific methods would have worked for me in our home and with my family. I do highly recommend that you look at her method, but then adapt it to your life, your husband, your children. I think you can find enough in it to help you do that.
As for theology, since it is not a theological treatise, not too much bears watching out for. Here and there I wonder if she even knows what she believes theologically about some things. From what I could find out about her, she is an evangelical something or other, yet some of her statements don't quite match that. The only thing that really made me sit up and notice was her list of priorities—family first, then God… Wait a minute! Whatever happened to "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me?" So do be on guard just as policy when you read something.
My copy is the first edition of this book. There is an updated version. Mine includes a study guide at the end, and I cannot imagine that a newer version would not. With care, it might make a decent discussion group or class.
A Woman after God's Own Heart is published by Harvest House Publishing.
Dene Ward
The biggest thing this book has going for it is its practicality, including detailed lists. When I write blog posts, many comment that lists help them keep things organized in their minds, so I occasionally use one. Well, this extremely organized author shares with you every single practical detail in several lists showing how she changed herself from an idle, let-life-happen-around-you wife and mother to someone who does her best to make every minute count toward her goal of becoming like King David—"after God's own heart." As she says, "I am on assignment from God to—" be a submissive wife, support my husband, teach my children, manage my home, and on and on. If anything will give you motivation, that mindset certainly will.
Here is my biggest problem with this book: Mrs. George seems to think that only by following her rigorous methods can we become women after God's own heart. Unfortunately, even looking back on my younger years, I can tell immediately that not every one of these specific methods would have worked for me in our home and with my family. I do highly recommend that you look at her method, but then adapt it to your life, your husband, your children. I think you can find enough in it to help you do that.
As for theology, since it is not a theological treatise, not too much bears watching out for. Here and there I wonder if she even knows what she believes theologically about some things. From what I could find out about her, she is an evangelical something or other, yet some of her statements don't quite match that. The only thing that really made me sit up and notice was her list of priorities—family first, then God… Wait a minute! Whatever happened to "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me?" So do be on guard just as policy when you read something.
My copy is the first edition of this book. There is an updated version. Mine includes a study guide at the end, and I cannot imagine that a newer version would not. With care, it might make a decent discussion group or class.
A Woman after God's Own Heart is published by Harvest House Publishing.
Dene Ward
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