It was such a blessings that I actually had time between Christmas and New Years to read – to read a book that is…I very much enjoyed Nancy’s book “Girl on a Swing“. You want to know why? Let me share first with you the back cover of her book:
“Who is that Girl on a Swing? She’s free, she’s safe, she’s secure, she’s forgiven, she’s happy, she’s a child of God and so are you…With warm understanding, refreshing humor, and striking biblical honesty, Nancy Kennedy reflects on the ways women often keep themselves from enjoying the freedom that’s already theirs. Because not only do you belong to God, He is glad He chose you. Not only does He love you unconditionally, He likes you! And not only does He lavish you with grace, He smiles upon you…Once you learn how to swing, you can’t un-learn it. Once you know true freedom in Christ, you can’t un-know it. It’s yours for good (and it’s a lot of fun). So climb on…it’s time to soar!”
What I love about Nancy is that she is “real”. She is like you and me — she doesn’t have it all together. The entire book is great, but several chapters have really hit home…
Like the one entitled “Eternal Umbilicus” — this one made me realize that I am obsessed controlling our son’s life. Although I thought that I gave him and his future over to God — I hadn’t. I was getting nervous that our son didn’t have a ‘real job’ after college. Guess what — God had the perfect timing for Daniel to get a job…
Or the chapter “Ghosts in the Closet” — how I really have not forgiven people in my life. That I have held on to (even though only deep in my heart buried under other stuff) the hurts people inflicted on me (yeah it screams pity-party in bold neon letters).
Or the chapter “Footwashings and A Resurrection” — when years ago I did all the Godly stuff, but in all reality I was spiritual ‘deadish’ and not any more closer to Him than my next door neighbor.
But the most profound chapter for me is close to the end — “It’s Okay to Be *F.I.N.E. (*Fouled-up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Exhausted)…Yeah – that is me “Fouled-up, Insecure, Neurotic and Exhausted”. Especially the insecure part! You see, I want to be loved. I want people to like me…But I keep forgetting that I am already loved – loved deeply by the One who died for me — died for my sins. Who took the nails that were meant for me! I am free to admit that I am a sinner — forgiving, yet still a sinner.
Nancy, thank you for writing this book and reminding me that He smiles on me, despite my defects…I am looking forward reading your next book “Lipstick Grace”…
Why don’t you, my beloved blog-readers, jump with Nancy and me on the swing, experience and feel the Son in your face?
Blessings to you and yours in 2007 and as always…
PS: Don’t forget to meet at Laurel’s blog this up-coming week to share your hopes and dreams for 2007…
Oh Iris,
This is wonderful. I am ordering the book today. I also will email Nancy today. She would love to read this. Blessings and thank you…
Happy New Year, Iris. You’ve been one of my “blessings” this year! 🙂
Iris,
Thanks again for the add. And I love your page. Nancy Kennedy actually spoke at our church this past year. She’s an awesome speaker and the ladies snagged up this book as well as her others. She’s a neat lady. They all want to know when can we bring her back. Those that couldn’t come wish they had. I love this book too. Now that I know her personally, I agree with your assessment, not only is she real in her writing, she’s real in her life – and Christ does indeed shine through. Be blessed this new year.
Looks like a great book. Will check this out tomorrow. Thanks for sharing it.
Hope you had a great new year celebration Iris. God Bless!!!
Well Iris…you will not believe this..or perhaps you will ;)…..my husband and I went fishing this afternoon at the barge canal…he fishes, i read..and quess which book I just finished today??? Girl on A Swing!! It was absolutely awesome!! I can relate to every single word Nancy wrote…in fact I used a quote from it on my sidebar today. This is a book worth reading several times over…I nod my way through it saying…that’s me, that’s me. Are we in sync or what?? 😉 I’ve been away from the computer for awhile..will get back into the swing of things tomorrow!!!
I am so looking forward to reading this one–as soon as our church library gets it.
Happy New Year!!!
This sounds like an excellent book. How did you find time to read over the holidays??? Thanks for your honest and vulnerable review. Don’t worry, we all want to be liked and loved… it’s a girl thing. :~) I’ve learned that when we let God fill us up, then we don’t demand so much from others, and others actually like us more. Paradoxical but true. I find this principle especially hard to practice around my unbelieving family-of-origin. Blessings!
Sounds like a book I need to add to my list. Thanks for the recommendation, Iris!