Book Review: Everything by Mary DeMuth

If you follow me on Twitter, then you've noticed I keep tweeting about #everythingbook. This is because I am super excited to share with you that my favorite non-fiction book, Everything, by Mary DeMuth, is finally available for you to get your hands on and your hearts wrapped around! Forgive me if I start writing in exclamatory sentences!!! I'm really that excited about sharing this book with you!!!

Okay, I'll calm down now. But only so that you'll keep reading...

Everything is all about what you give and what you gain to become like Jesus. In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus tells us there's a price we must all pay in order to be His disciple. We must count the cost before we jump into that relationship. We need to be ready to give our everything so that Jesus becomes our Everything.

This book is all about that. It is a challenge. It is a heart-invader. It is a smack on the spiritual behind. It is filled with love. It is filled with compassion. It is filled with hope.

I was blessed to become a member of Mary's launch team a few months ago. As I opened the PDF file containing the book, I expected life-changing words and fresh revelation of God's will for my life. I wasn't disappointed. As I read word after word, God poured wave after wave of His conviction over me.

I've read Psalm 19:13 multiple times over. "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." As I read Everything, my heart fell to the floor and broke into a million pieces. Those presumptuous sins add up after awhile and total great transgression - transgression that the saint isn't even aware of. It's been said that after we've walked with the Lord for a measure of time, leading others, ministering, and working for His kingdom that we tend to get into a groove. One day, rather suddenly, we find ourselves broken again, as we were the first time we came to the Lord. That would be me as I read this incredibly wise woman's words.

Words like,

{AND}

{and}

I believe more of my copy is highlighted than not. My copy of Everything has dog ears and notes in the margin. It has been my Bible's companion and will be for a very long time. I have attempted to read it slowly, enjoying the crumbs and gobbling every nugget left on the page. There's too much to take in the first time through. I will need to wrap it up and save it for later and return to partake of it again and again.

Mary shared her thoughts, her stories, her struggles, her successes, and God's word in such a way that caused me to laugh, cry, and fall humbly to my knees as I read. I feel like I have a twin sister. I feel like she sat across from me, sharing, laughing, crying, and reaching out to hold my hand through the book. I've honestly never read something that drew me in like that - other than the Bible. What a read! What a change I'm going through because of her obedience in writing it!

If you read it, you won't be disappointed. You'll be forever changed as you allow God to move in your heart and your life. If you don't read it, you'll be missing another opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to take a good look in the mirror of God's word and compassionately shared truths.

Do you love FREE STUFF? I know I do! If you purchase Everything this week {Launch Week} you can get over $200 of FREE GOODIES. Simply visit Mary's website to find out how.

To purchase your copy, please visit one of these retailers, or head out to your local bookstore. :)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Parable

Please be aware that I have received a free copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review, but this book is positively AWESOME!!!

Inspiring Encouragement - Greener Grass

Mary DeMuth has written an incredible book entitled Everything. Within the pages of this challenging read, she has several quotes worthy of sharing. You can find some of them on this Pinterest board. Here's one I created:

So often, we think our neighbor has it so much better. They can afford the two ATVs and the snowmobile. Their paint isn't peeling off their home. Their kids are involved in every activity under the sun. And they've always got a smile on their faces.

What we don't see are the credit cards piled up and the debt load they live under. We don't see the stress they feel with every new commitment. We don't hear the argument they had last night over the bill that didn't get paid. We don't see their despair.

The grass is greener where we water it. If we ponder the world and all of its supposed blessings for too long, we lose sight of the spiritual aspects of our life. The world will drag us down when Jesus will lift us up. We need to nurture that spiritual part of our being with the water of the Word. Then life will be full of growth and those things that keep us going forward in the kingdom of God, and our grass will be plenty green enough. (And our neighbors will wonder why we can't stop smiling.)

Mary's book will release on October 16th. You can pre-order it now at the following retailers:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Less Than Everything Under Control

It is good to take account of what's happening in one's heart. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the things of life that we lose sight of what's going on inside of us. We focus on externals and forget internals. Yet God tells us it's from inside of us that life proceeds.

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. - Proverbs 4:23

One of the issues I've struggled with for years is control. I confess. I am a control freak. I have been since I was a child. For one, I'm the oldest of three siblings. Bossy girl. For another, my dad is a control freak. His way ruled growing up. Just as he had to pack the car for road trips (and you'd better not get in his way), I too have to pack for trips (because, after all, there's less likely to be a hassle or a mess along the way if I do it). Oh! And don't get in my way, either. Unless you want to be blinded by my glare. Lastly, if I'm in control, then I'm the only one who can screw it up. And I'm great at admitting my own faults, so I don't have to worry about whether or not someone else will take the blame for their mistake.

Yes, I am the most freakiest of control freaks ever.

Which is why I cringed when I got to these sentences in Mary DeMuth's book, Everything. "Could it be that we are guilty of flawless Christian performances? That we've taken up ownership and control of our relationship with Jesus?" (p. 77)

I'm sure you could hear me gasp clear out in California. She pegged it. I'd have to say it's been probably three years since I sat down with God and did a serious weighing of my heart. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2) Sure, I've prayed, fasted, read my Bible, sought the Lord and His will. I certainly haven't neglected our relationship. But I've also become that Christian performer, controlling the relationship. If I'm honest with myself. Truly honest.

Which makes me feel, well, less than. It's humbling to come to a realization that I've been reading less than what God would have me read. I've been praying less than I should be. I've been focusing on Him less than I've focused on outward things. I've done less than I could do for my husband and my kids. I've been less than compassionate. I've been less than zealous. I've been less than humble. Less than.

But Jesus is more so. So much more. Jesus is Everything. And it's time to make Him Everything in my life once again. It's time for me to relinquish control and allow God to take me on a journey down unfamiliar roads. My heart longs for a new adventure. One only God can lead me on. One I need to follow Him on, rather than lead another.

Have you ever been in a place like this? One where you suddenly discovered such a truth about yourself and an even bigger one about the Lord? How did it make you feel? What did you decide you needed most? 

Graphic courtesy of Microsoft.com

Jesus became my Everything when...

Two posts in one day. What are you going to do with me? ;)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the Lord and depart from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7

As some of you know, I'm blessed to be a part of Mary DeMuth's launch team for her upcoming book, Everything. Part of the joy of being a team player is stepping out of comfort zones and doing things unexpected.

For two weeks I've prayed about my Jesus is my Everything video. For two weeks, I've pondered how to eloquently phrase my words. For two weeks I've thought about where to shoot this video, what background to use, and what to wear.

But it isn't really about me, is it? It's all about Jesus. Because He is my Everything. Here's how He came to be just that:

 

I tried to live my life as a unique individual, choosing my own direction, going down the road less chosen (can you quote Robert Frost). What I didn't realize is that every road I chose led to a Dead End. Lifelessness. Every ounce of my energy sucked away. Numb to pain and heartache, I never quit. I just kept going. And going. And going. Nowhere. On my way. My path. My destiny. Nowhere.

After awhile, I got tired of reaching Dead Ends. And I let Jesus become my all-in-all. My Everything. I decided I'd give His way a try. I'd let Him direct my steps. I'd let Him lead the way. He's been my Everything ever since, and the journey's been amazing.

Will you let Him be your Everything today?

 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

If you'd like a shot at starring in Mary's Everything book trailer, you can follow the guidelines in her contest blog post. Hurry! Time's running out...

Mary's book releases October 16th. You can pre-order it now. Not sure if you want it? She's kindly provided sample chapters to help you make a decision. My prayer is that you will make Jesus your Everything and follow-up with a great read filled with incredible insight from a woman who's made Jesus her Everything.

Who Is Your Everything?

I talk to Him when I need someone to listen. I complain to Him when I don't want to upset someone else. I cry on His shoulder when no one else cares. I lean on Him when I am weak. I laugh with Him when something's funny. I rest in His arms when I am weary. I hide under the shelter of His wings when I am afraid. I stand behind Him when I need to battle. I share with Him when I have good news. I dine with Him when I need to be filled.

Jesus is my Everything.

I praise Him in the morning. I call out to Him from the night places. I run to Him when I am in trouble. I linger at His side when I want someone to hang out with. I follow Him as He leads.

Jesus is my Everything.

I trust Him with my life. I have faith He has my best interests at heart. I believe He has a place prepared for me. I know He loves me. I call Him friend.

Jesus is my Everything.

I see His immense creativity in the world around me. I taste Him in the garden of life He's given me. I smell Him in the flowers. I hear His voice whisper in my heart. I feel Him immerse me in His presence as I worship. I know He exists, because I've experienced His abundance of life.

Jesus is my Everything.

He is love. He is truth. He is holy. He is pure. He is righteous. He is all-knowing. He is worthy. He is just. He is strong. He is mighty. He is powerful. He is gentle. He is compassionate. He is my all-in-all.

Jesus is my Everything.

When you need someone to talk to, to hold you, to bring comfort and peace, who do you rely on? Is it your spouse? Your parent? Your child? Your friend? Who is your everything?

I run to Jesus, because none of the people mentioned above are perfect. None of them can fill the void in my heart like Jesus can. None of them bring me satisfaction like Jesus does. Jesus is my Everything, because His love is perfect. He never disappoints. I can put my faith and trust in Him and know my life will be complete.

Jesus - You are my Everything.

Blogging Through the Book - Everything is a book about finding the freedom to give everything to God. Written by Mary DeMuth, it is scheduled for release on October 16th. You can pre-order it through Amazon now. I am blessed to be a part of Mary's launch team. As I read through the book, you'll find scattered blog posts about what I'm discovering along my journey to handing everything in my own life over to God. I hope you'll join me in my journey and find some encouragement along the way.