Becoming All God Created You to Be - Embracing Who You Are

I used this in two Bible studies, and purchased 7 more for Christmas Gifts! Changed how I thought, acted and how I saw myself and others! Would love my husband to read it! It is that good! It was a gift from my husband, one of the best ever!

Amazing book, spoke to my heart and answered questions as I would ask them. Took through the whole journey of accepting myself, why important, looking at my strengths and weaknesses and didn't stop there. She went on to what is next and yet encouraged, that I am enough already. Freeing really. Talks about expectations, pressures and what everything boils down to is Love. Thank you for encouraging and showing acceptance and acknowledging I am who He made and He wired me this way. Really a book that has opened my eyes and heart to love on me!

Amazing book, spoke to my heart and answered questions as I would ask them. Took through the whole journey of accepting myself, why important, looking at my strengths and weaknesses and didn't stop there. She went on to what is next and yet encouraged, that I am enough already. Freeing really. Talks about expectations, pressures and what everything boils down to is Love. Thank you for encouraging and showing acceptance and acknowledging I am who He made and He wired me this way. Really a book that has opened my eyes and heart to love on me!

The book is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone! The only thing is on the kindle version, some of the words that are written in smaller and lighter text, you can't see. It stinks because I would really like to know for sure what she's saying. I wouldn't download a copy, I would just wait for a paperback in the mail.

I love that there are worksheets that go along with this book. Visually helps me get a clearer picture of myself. I recommend to all who feel discouraged or want to dig deeper about themselves. Know that you are AMAZING!!!

This book was extremely cheesy and not written well. She starts out pretending she is in a coffee shop with you and keeps going back to being there. The book even ends ( in the last few paragraphs, not the last sentence) with a waitress asking if you need anything else. I feel like all the topics are somehow drawn out but have no real depth to them. I like the idea of "you are already amazing" in the sense of self acceptance, you are who God made you type thing.

I like reading books for Christian women. I honestly do, but many times I feel I can't relate to them. I don't struggle with wondering if I'm "good enough" (I am), if I'm pretty enough (If looks matter that much, that person isn't someone I would want to have in my life), or if my feelings are okay (My mother always taught me you can't help your feelings. They are what they are.) So many times I am thinking, "Are these the biggest issues facing Christian women today?" (I do think they are, but I just can't relate!) That's how this book started -- me enjoying reading the book, but not much in it for me until. . .

I perked up when this book helped you define your life purpose. Holly Gerth has such a simple way of helping you do that. (I never thought writing out your life purpose could be easy, but she has it down to a nutshell that if you wish to expand it later you can!)

The next chapter was where I really started to become more interested, as it was more applicable to me. Fear. What do we do because we feel we "should" and not because it adds to our life purpose? That was a major question asked in this chapter. Many times we do good things when something better could be awaiting us just because we have a case of the "shoulds" or we fear quitting that committee for whatever reason.

I would highly recommend this book to any woman. Some parts you may not relate to, others it may seem like you are the one sitting down with coffee with the author. It is written in such a style that it seems like you are chatting over coffee. At times I very much enjoyed the informal style of the book (and I would love for the author to send me some of her ugly truffles, but she did include a recipe for them), other times, I felt it was a little too informal, so I think it depended on my mood when I would pick up this book.

There is a study guide in the back, making this perfect for a women's group or book club.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

"You're already amazing." That's a tough phrase to grasp, let alone fully believe. Women have great social pressures put on them to be perfect in body and attitude. And with all those expectations, we as women are carrying burdens that we weren't meant to carry at all and we suppress dreams that we thought we were meant to live.

Holley Gerth is a popular blogger and co-founder of (in)courage, an organization whose goal is to amplify the message that women don't need to do more and be more: they can just be, because they are already amazing the way God created them.

Sometimes non-fiction books tend to be a little bit on the boring side. I was preparing for that when starting to read this one, only to be blown away by how true and real it was. This was very deep and totally applied to certain points that I am at in my own life right now. Holley speaks of the book as a heart-to-heart talk over coffee, and though I don't personally drink coffee, that is exactly how it felt. No matter what point you are at in life you need to hear that you are amazing, and know that you aren't alone in life. Also, in this day where everyone is so focused on perfection in every aspect of life, the words in this book can really help. You don't have to be perfect, just be the way God has made you. And sometimes that is a struggle but you it can be overcome.

This book is also pretty much made for a small group discussion setting like the Bloom (in)courage Book Club, but also in-person studies as well. Though that doesn't mean you shouldn't just read it by yourself, too. It's interactive and engaging and definitely a great addition for your book shelf. It would be one of those great books to keep going back through over and over at different stages of life. Please check it out!

A friend of mine recently let me borrow this book and she told me she thought it would be a perfect read for me. I listened to what she had to say about it, and I decided that no matter how long it took to read, I was going to make time to read this book. And I'm so glad I did.

Holley Gerth brings you in as a friend with her simple words and her coffee-house-style conversations. I found myself nodding my head to many of the things in the book and also found myself in tears at several parts too. There were so many things that spoke to me in this book it's hard to pick just one thing to share with you, but here's one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Hey, you... The one wondering if you've got strengths. You do. The one questioning if God really even wants to use you. He does. You've got gifts to offer the world. Things that are good and right and true. No one else can make a difference like you can. Like You already are. Dare to believe it. Dare to receive it. Stand tall, be strong, just go out there and be you in your own wonderful way. Today."

How amazing is does that sound? I think we as women tend to over think things, we tend to look down on ourselves, and we tend to put ourselves last. This book helps us understand who we are, who God created us to be, and that no matter how hard our life is, God has a plan for us we just have to look for it.

Holley's book also includes sections that ask questions and areas for you to answer questions and take notes. You can find out more about this book and about Holley on her blog: [...]. Enjoy!

Reading Holley Gerth`s book You're Already Amazing was like getting a great big hug. In a conversational, across-the-table-at-the-coffee-shop style, Holley's words wrapped around my heart, encouraging me to embrace who I am.

You don't have to be because you already are. It doesn't matter if you're the "it" girl, because "God looks at you and says, `She is loved, accepted, and valued...'" (page 17).

I'm not a fan of books on self esteem that are full of positive self-talk ideas. But You're Already Amazing is full poetic words and lyrical phrases that are truly God's Heart for You. It's not positive self-talk; it's an often times desperately needed reminder of the truth.

But it's more than just a book about embracing who you are -- the second part of the subtitle is "becoming all God created you to be." Maybe "most people don't..." do whatever it is you do. But Holley encourages you that if you are following hard after God, then He has a plan for each gift He has given you. He has you here for "such a time as this."

Holley helps you identify your strengths and your skills in fun little quizzes (download the printables here). She delves into your emotional and relational styles (are you a one-on-one type or a one-to-many type?). She helps you throw off what hinders you and figure out what renews you. And not for yourself, but so that you can better serve God and love others.

You're Already Amazing should be a prescribed dose of encouragement for every woman, no matter your age or season in life. Because you are already amazing.

From beginning to end, this book emanates an inspiration that warms the heart, calms the mind, and encourages the soul. It begins with a 'dare' for readers, women in particular, to accept the following:

"You don't have to do more, be more, have more."

Beginning with a heart-to-heart talk, Holley Gerth reaches out to the inner emotions of women who tend to be overly driven toward perfection, anxiety or non-stop activities. Just like Philip Yancey's assurance about the grace of God for us, that we do not need to do more to get God's grace, or to worry that God will give us less grace if we do not perform, Gerth does the same with regards to accepting the person we are created to be. She works through this acceptance and assurance through nine fundamental questions.

Throughout the book, there are multiple charts and exercises to give readers a chance to discover themselves as amazing creation of God. Gerth writes with special understanding of the female psyche. Chapter after chapter, she works on assuring readers that it is okay to take care of themselves. It is fine to embrace one as created to be. The Go-Deeper guide and discussion questions at the end of the book will be an exciting complement for women's Bible study groups.

Closing Thoughts
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Three thoughts form the framework for this book. Inner assurance, emotional awareness, and inspirational application. I find myself eavesdropping into how women encourage women. Will I recommend this book to my Church womenfolks? Certainly. Will I recommend this book for men? Why not?

Gerth has done a great job in assuring women readers. Male readers can learn a tip or two from the way Gerth has written this book. There are pages after pages of assuring and re-assuring of the readers that it is okay, and it is alright. Just like wives regularly need to be assured that their husbands love them, Gerth constantly re-assures women readers that they are already amazing.

Maybe, all of us constantly need to be assured by God Himself, that we are loved and we are to share that love to all people. If we are already amazing, chances are, our neighbours are also amazing themselves! Let us bring that message of hope in God.

conrade

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Holley Gerth offers a positive message that as Christian women, we are much more than pretty...we are wonderfully made. We are much more than likeable...we are deeply loved. We are much more than okay...we are daughters of the King. Using scripture and her own journey from doubt to truth, Gerth shows readers how to discover God's plan and purpose for them.

I liked the conversational and sometimes humorous style of the author which makes this book easy to read. As far as the subject goes, I was happy that the focus wasn't on building up one's SELF-esteem, despite the title that implies otherwise. Us being amazing has less to do with who we are and everything to do with who God is and what He did for us and does through us. Perfection on our part is not required because God is already perfect. Gerth does a good job communicating that truth.

There was one passage that I especially enjoyed where Gerth writes, "Lord," I asked, "why do women feel as if we're not enough?" It seemed I heard a whsiper in response: "Because they're not." ..."Excuse me, God, it sounded like you said we're not enough. Could you repeat that, pretty please?" Again, gently and firmly, "You are not enough." By then I started thinking perhaps my heart had dialed the wrong number and the devil was on the line. But in that pause it seemed God finished the sentence: "You are not enough...in me you are so much more."

Some of the issues covered include dealing with sin that entangles us, finding God's purpose for our lives, why it's difficult to see ourselves as God does, what we have to offer as women, and how our relationships with others can help or hinder our view of ourselves. There is also a study guide included that is helpful for a group study or as a way to individually dig deeper.

I did enjoy reading this book and came away with a better perspective of who I am in Christ instead of looking to what the world says I should be, look like, do, or think.

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher but the opinion of it is my own and was not solicited, nor was a positive review required.

Sitting down to read Holley Gerth's "You're Already Amazing: Embracing who you are, becoming all God created you to be," is like sitting down with a close friend for a chat over a cup of coffee.

Gerth's purpose in writing this book is for each woman to realize and believe that she is amazing. Period. Not amazing when she looks a certain way or does something, but amazing all the time, just by being herself and because God created her to be amazing and loves her. Each chapter tackles different thoughts, beliefts, insecurities that may get in the way of believing that we are already amazing. There is also a Go Deeper Guide included at the end of the book that is a discussion guide that coordinates with each chapter making this book a wonderful small group resource as well.

This book is written in a style that is easy to read and has a conversational tone to it so that the reader is quickly drawn into the book and a part of the book instead of just reading the words and not really getting anything out of it. I like how there are diagrams, lists, and questions throughout the book that really made me think and apply what I was reading to myself.

This is an excellent reminder of our self-worth and an encouragement to change our viewpoints and how we live our lives.

"Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

When I picked up You're Already Amazing, I braced myself for a book full of feel-good fluff. I should have known better, knowing Holley Gerth and the heart she has to encourage women with the truth of the Word of God.

This book is life-changing! I seriously wish I had read this book five years ago - it would have been a perfect fit for the issues I was dealing with as God was moving me from one season of life to another. And yet, it is a perfect fit for where I am now - beginning to understand why God has me where He has me and learning to grow daily in His grace.

You're Already Amazing isn't a book full of feel-good fluff. Instead, it is full of practical applications and illustrations of how life is to be lived in light of the truths in the Word of God. Holley Gerth walks her readers through a discovery of how God has uniquely wired them to serve Him {the best practical application of spiritual gifts I have ever experienced}, encouraging them with the truths of God's Word to live out their lives in service to Christ.

As I read You're Already Amazing, Holley's heart and personality jumped off the page as if I were truly sitting in a coffee shop with her in person. Her encouragement and challenge to my heart and soul through her words in You're Already Amazing have truly blessed me, and I know God is using them even now to do an amazing work of growth in my life.

The introduction of this book really grabbed my attention,the statement "you don't have to do more, be more, have more"had me wondering what I might find inside this book. Well what I found was an encouraging, uplifting message that all women need to read!

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the conversational tone, to the use of personal stories I found this book so easy to relate to. I really warmed to the authors easy style of writing, she makes you feel as if your talking to an old friend.The author reminds us that in God's eyes we are loved, accepted and valued, after all he created us just the way he wanted us to be. I would have to say my favorite chapter had to be "What Does God Want Me To Do With My Life."I always wonder if I am making a difference, and following God's plan, and this chapter helped me with that question.
Written with short chapters and study guides peppered through the book, it's perfect for busy women who need a bit of encouragement. I thought the Go Deeper Guide provided at the back of the book makes this book perfect for group study.Overall a motivational, inspirational book that is easy to connect with, that provides the message that in God's eyes we are Already Amazing.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. You're Already Amazing is an incredible book that every woman I know needs to read. While it may seem from the title that this is going to be a rah-rah, feel good back, that's simply not true. Instead, it's obvious from the outset that Holley desires for women to know who God created them to be and to use the strengths and skills that He has gifted them with to honor Him!

"We are chosen, cherished, created women who have all we need to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He has made us just as he wants us to be. We have something to offer that no one else can bring . . . and the world is waiting" (p 40).

Holley writes in such a way that reading the book feels more like having a conversation with a close friend. The exercises throughout the book and the "Go Deeper Guide" at the end make this a great book for individuals or groups to go through. [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

You're Already Amazing just sounded like a book I needed to read. Plus it was written by a woman who inspires us all on her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.

As I read the first few chapters, the words sounded good to me... but it wasn't until the end of the book that my heart really started to get it. After all, I know pretty much who I am (gifts, strengths & weaknesses, my emotional style, how I connect with others, and basically what God is calling me to do). However, the end of the book really opened my eyes to why I always seem to be running in circles.

Holley encouraged us to come up with not a MISSION statement, but a LIFE statement. That statement can be very general and encompasses the basic call God has given to each one of us. She then explained some things that may be keeping us stuck in Egypt, and gave some guidance on how to get out. At the part of the book that really caught my attention, Holley referenced Hebrews 12:1. I've never noticed how individualized this verse is. I guess I've always just kind of grouped "us" together. But God has called each one of us to "the race that is set before us." No one has been given the same race. My race is different than your race. Kind of makes me stop and think about how I worry about being more like this person or that person. What about you?

I really don't want to give away too many details, but this book touched me right where I am. It's funny to me that the more books I read by sisters in Christ, the more I realize that we think very similarly... that we're all going through the same stuff... and that we can all help each other.

Throughout the book, there are questions and exercises to help us think through what Holley is teaching us about. There is also a study guide section at the back of the book for more in-depth processing.

I came away from You're Already Amazing saying, "okay, what is hindering me right now from what God has already called me to do... and what am I going to do about it?"

I would encourage every woman to read this book! So many times, we accept Satan's lies about who we're NOT, but GOD is saying that He has created each one of us to be AMAZING.

Oh... and for more encouragement from Holley, make sure you stop by Heart to Heart with Holley.

You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth is available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received my copy of the book free from Revell in exchange for this review.

I really enjoyed going through You're Already Amazing. The actual concept of this book isn't so entirely different from other volumes I have read that expound on the uniqueness of each one of us as one of God's creations. What is different about this book is that it presents these ideas without falling too far into preaching, sappiness, or really intricate personal anecdotes. Of those three, the latter is probably the typical problem in many of these volumes.

An author who spends far too long chronicling their own journey to realizing that they're special when writing a book that is supposed to begiving advice loses their position as a counselor in my opinion and becomes more of a mini-memoir writer with a slight self-help spin. Halley Gerth uses herself as an example in this book many times, but it is never overdone. That is what made this a really great read as no part of the book is too much. It ends up being an absolutely charming journey into discovering what is amazing about yourself and owning it like the child of God you are.

One of my favorite things about Holley's blog that easily translates into her newest book, You're Already Amazing, is that she writes in such a conversational tone that it almost feels like you are chatting with her over tea or coffee. That's a big thing for me when I am reading a non-fiction book that I want God to use in my heart. :)

I laughed when I opened the book and read the introduction...called... The dare. Seeing as my one word for 2012 is dare...well let's just say I knew He was going to be opening my eyes to some things!

The book is not only encouraging but has lots of practical things you can do to help discover who you are. Who He created you to be. My suggestion is to read this book slowly, do the exercises in a journal, and really explore the concept of who you are. This is something I will be going back to do and savor that time of reading and discovery.

Holley not only takes the time to encourage you right where you are at but also challenges you to step out and become who you were created to be. The book does not use the trite "Christianese" you sometimes run into with a Christian Women's non-fiction book but rather you see the passion Holley has for you and for God and for you becoming all that you are meant to be. Her approach is gentle and loving yet challenging and daring.

If you need to be encouraged or want a great tool on your journey take the time to pick up Holley's book, You're Already Amazing...I don't think you will regret it!

Holley Gerth does a fabulous job of making the reader feel like she is right there with you...drinking a cup of coffee and eating a brownie, while sitting in your favorite coffee shop.

Holley explains how we ARE enough...just like God created us. There is no "Plan B" for our lives.

She gives concrete steps to help the reader find their strength and shows ways to implement them.

She talks about a "Do What You Can Plan." An amazing strategy of just doing what you can, because after all, we can't do everything all the time!

She explains that many of the requirements and expectations we feel we have to meet are not given to us by the Master, but requirements and expectations we put on ourselves or we feel others require or expect of us. And we are not required to meet any of these, we are only required and expected to meet the expectations HE has for us.

This is a great book...easy to read, yet very thought provoking and certainly life enhancing!

From the first chapter I was embraced by Holley's gift for connecting with her reader. She gently takes you by the hand and moves you past your doubts into the wide open space of God's grace. With heartfelt vulnerability, she shows how although broken we are wanted, needed, and amazing.

Holley's skills as a counselor are evident in the wonderful way she uses charts, lists, and grafts to help make her points stick with the reader. The going deeper study section in the back of the book is wonderful for personal or group study. Every time I picked up You're Already Amazing, it was like sitting down for my own personal counseling session with Holley.

This book was a great compliment to other books I have recently read from Revell on strengthening and encouraging women to live fully. You're Already Amazing is an excellent addition to any woman's library and one small groups should consider.

Sometimes, a book really takes you by surprise. In a good way.
To be honest, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I had not heard of the author, but one of my favorite websites, (in)courage had the opportunity to review the book.
Then, I fell in love with it.

Holley Gerth's book You're Already Amazing is amazing.
There are so many things in here that I thought, "Uh, yes, Kelli, why haven't you thought of this before?"

As women, we often struggle to be everything to everybody, whether those "things" fit our God-given traits or not. Reading this book was so freeing- I realized that God has given me a certain personality and while I must cultivate Christ-like qualities in my life, my personality is mine! God chose it for me.

Holley does a great job at explaining how our strengths are a great way to guide our ministry to others, and how serving in areas in which God has gifted us revives us instead of draining us. It is so incredible that God has equipped each of his children in a unique way- and finding that equipping is so refreshing!

Another point Holley makes is that insecurity makes us egocentric. (Beth Moore also mentions this in her book So Long Insecurity- you can read my review of that book here.) When we are constantly worried about what others think of us, we don't live out the life that God intended for us.

I also love how this book is formatted: each chapter has simple exercises for the reader to complete. I adore writing in books, and having blanks to fill out makes it even better! Then, in the back of the book, there is a "Go Deeper Guide," which the reader can do on her own, or use in a group Bible study.

This book would make a great read for a woman in any phase of life: teenager, young mom, middle-aged, senior citizen- it's never too late to discover what God wants us to be doing!

Holley Gerth is a gifted counselor and life coach. It is obvious she loves to counsel women. And as she sits across from each one, she prays for them to know that they are loved, and delighted in, by a relentlessly loving God. To know that they are enough. To believe that they are worth more than something. To profess the truth that they were created for a purpose, created to be amazing. And Holley doesn't stop at prayer. She ministers to these bruised reeds and the smoldering wicks (her readers included!) by speaking wisdom to them and blessing over them, reminding them that God really does rejoice over them with singing.

You're Already Amazing includes chapters about finding your strengths and skills as a way of determining who you are and who you're called to care for, lies women believe that keep us in bondage to fear and insecurity, as well as discerning how you approach your emotions and allow them to be a burden or a boon.

Other chapters give practical ideas on how to find or recognize companions for the journey, those safe people you can travel with and know you are in good company. How to discover and utilize your social strengths. How to identify what God wants you to do with your life. Lastly, Holley shows what the next steps are for staying present in the Promised Land by giving the reader a primer on seeing what hinders and entangles you, keeping you from running your race, the one marked out for you, and only you.

Holley provides questions at the end of each chapter, (which are also available online) a valuable resource that helps the reader dig deeper, see more clearly, and therefore more likely to apply the truths being presented. The author writes with a conversational style that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. Using experiences from her counseling practice, she brings the truth home to these women she shepherds, making it more personal and accessible to us, and we are blessed to benefit as well. You're Already Amazing is a timely, relevant, interactive handbook that helps you kick start and maintain a desire to be present in your own life while providing sustenance for the sojourner.

This book was truly a delight. I would say, whole-heartedly, it would be a book for women ages teen and up, in any point on their spiritual journey. It's interactive and personal. Honest and refreshing. Loving and encouraging. I love how Holley, the author, "talks" through her writing, as if she were right beside you. The book contains plenty of opportunity to focus on yourself and your faith, your heart and your heart for what God wants you to be. It's a book not for self-gratifying thoughts but more like a precious, sweet tool for breaking free of our own stereotypes, self-doubt, and longings- into something the Lord can only give us. Divine love for us!

This is a keeper. It is a gem for our women in our culture in our world today!

Creative electrical wiring coursed through the walls of my childhood home. A number of light switches seemed to have been installed either upside down or backwards. My dad, who had no formal training as an electrician, was prone to tap into the house's electrical system and add outlets now and then as the need arose. I'm sure the house would have given nightmares to any conscientious building safety inspector.

Within the church, I've met women who seem to struggle with their own weird wiring. They wonder if they fit in, or how they fit in, or whether or not they've got anything to offer within the body of Christ. For those wrestling with similar questions, Holley Gerth's new book, You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be, offers good news. God had intention and purpose in creating you the way you are.

With warmth and humor, and demonstrating a love for God's word, Gerth encourages women to make the most of who God designed them to be. Too often, I think, women within the church have made the mistake of equating humility with a denial of their God-given strengths and talents. Or they stand like the woman accused before Jesus and hear voices of condemnation, their own or those of trusted others saying, "You're stupid. You're ugly. You think God is going to use someone like you? You've really got nothing of significance to offer, have you?"

Drawing from her experience as a counselor, Gerth offers diagnostic tools to assist women in identifying their unique strengths, skills, and relational styles. One of my concerns, upon reading the title, was that the book's emphasis would echo those of so many others shelved in self-improvement sections of bookstores. Surely contemporary culture sends enough messages that I should love myself and work toward building my self-esteem. I wasn't sure I was interested in a book that was introspective and self-focused, when the gospel calls me to spend myself for Christ and his kingdom.

Gerth encourages women to listen to biblical truth rather than lies of hyped-up self-esteem or of unmerciful condemnation. Instead of being a self-indulgent exercise in introspection, Gerth's book suggests:

If your intent is to love God, others, and yourself more, then knowing who you are is one of the most unselfish things you can do.

Gerth identifies another common area of struggle among women, one which keeps many from believing God has a purpose for their lives. She suggests that, too often, we compare ourselves with one another and believe we fall short; we're not like the other women in the church. Gerth says it's actually a good thing when one approaches life differently than those around her. She says,

If most people don't do what you do, and you're passionately pursuing Jesus with your life, then it's probably not just a human plan. The heartbeat of God is probably somewhere within it. We need you, just you, to fulfill that purpose, complete that project, bring that gift to the world in a way no one else can.

While reading through Gerth's book, I didn't take the time to work through all the exercises. However, I believe the tools, questions, and study guide at the end of the book would provide meaningful context for discussion, either in small groups or within a mentoring relationship. I appreciated Gerth's repeated recommendations to discuss, with a trusted friend, one's responses to the book's questions. In addition to Gerth's recognition that God has created each of us as unique, she reminds her readers that we are not to live out our callings in isolation. Gerth emphasizes the value of community and relationship within the body of Christ.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I probably should make a confession. I have sort of a girl crush on Holley's voice. It's likely she could write just about any ridiculous nonsense in her sweet southern style, and I would eat her words up with a spoon.

The good news about this book is that it's not ridiculous nonsense. You're Already Amazing is a warm, thoughtful, and biblical means of encouraging women to accept their own weird wiring and pursue with joy the calling God has for their lives.

You're Already Amazing is published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, which provided a free copy for my review. The opinion above is my own. This post contains no affiliate links; I earn no compensation for any purchases of this book.

From her experience as a licensed counselor, life coach, and a fellow struggling daughter of Eve, Holley Gerth has poured her heart out for us in her book, You're Already Amazing. Holley has a way with words that made me feel as if she was right there with me as I read; she cheered me along and whispered truth to my uncertainty.

You're Already Amazing points to Biblical truth about who we are in Christ and, more specifically, how He has also made each of us unique and integral to God's plan--just the way we are.

Holley has filled this book with practical tools to help each of us figure out how God has built us. From looking at the way we handle our emotions and how we connect with others, to developing a plan for our life that keeps our personality, strengths, and giftedness in mind; Holley encourages us to find and remain in a place that is using our strengths--and also to find a way to recharge for when we cannot.

This book is encouraging, equipping, and enabling for your own journey toward embracing who God has made you to be.

A great book for personal growth as a Christian woman, and would make a great group discussion in your church or community!

You're Already Amazing is an Inspirational journey for all of us women. Everyday this world we live in demands unrealistic expectations upon us. Holley breaks down these expectations (that we also are known to demand of ourselves), and shows us all of our powerful strengths and the unwavering faith we can have!

We are Amazing Women and are just the way God created us. We all have a purpose and are encouraged to embrace this and portray our positive outlook onto others. Go ahead and journal your progress, you'll be Amazed!

God's got bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined!" Take the dare..embrace the truth..be who you are!

I was excited to review this book for Revell. However, I didn't realize how challenging it would be. This book is going to require two readings for me. If you struggle to realize that you are valuable, important, and created with a purpose . . . you need to read this book. If you have been searching and seeking for worth from your earthly dad, husband, or even kids . . . read this book. No matter what you do . . . even if you gain their approval, it won't be enough. You need to know it for yourself from a relationship with God. I highly recommend this book. But you will need some time, a pen, a notebook, and even a group of friends.

Excellent uplifting book for every woman to read. It is a book straight from the heart of Holley and she has such a gift of writing that connects with her readers in a way that you feel as if you are at your kitchen table and chatting over a cup of coffee.

Since Holly Gerth writes for DaySpring cards (and co-founded (in)courage) it seems cliché to say that her book, You're Already Amazing, is like receiving an unexpected greeting card saturated with wisdom and thoughtfulness only a dear friend could write. But that's exactly what reading You're Already Amazing is like! Gerth engaged me with her girlfriend language, stunning insights into the heart of God, and helpful exercises that encouraged me to learn more about who I am and what I mean to my Creator.

What I appreciated most about You're Already Amazing were the exercises that Gerth, also a trained counselor, included at the end of each chapter. Instead of just telling me how great I am because I was created by God and proving her point with Scripture, Gerth's tools helped me discover my strengths (and weaknesses) and how I can best use them for the glory of God! Not only am I already amazing, I am also already uniquely gifted! It's nice to get a pep talk, but even better to take that encouraging energy to the next level--to actually live it out.

In some ways this book is similar to Captivating by John and Stasi Elderidge, but Gerth's work is more reader-friendly, and her charm is enticing, page-turning, and life-changing. This is a book for the weak and the strong, the lost and the found, the hopeless and the hopeful. Really, You're Already Amazing is a book for every woman in every walk, on every journey to discover who she is, what she was created to be, and how she is desperately loved by her Father. Stop striving to be "enough" and discover how amazing you really are to the One who loves you more than you can fathom.

*Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for providing me a review copy of this book.*

holly clearly has a heart to connect with & empower women to believe and understand that God loves them. that God created them already amazing.
holly will take you on an easy to follow & very personal
and introspective guide to learning and understanding
how god uniquely created you
& then
how to best channel how he wired you
into living an intentional, purposeful life.

holly will help guide you as you determine
what does the "best you" really look like
& how you can be her.
how you are actually already her.
you'll look at your own strengths & skills
you'll evaluate how you best connect with others.
then once you put all those pieces together,
she'll help guide you as you determine
or capture
what God wants you to do with your life.

excellent tool for determining god-given strengths & then clear and creative explanations on how to live out the life He has created us to live!