Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women: 101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire Women

Many turn to God in times of trouble. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women hits its stride when it tackles more serious subject matter. Editors Susan M. Heim and Karen Talcott contribute heavily to this volume, but the "My Prayer" sections following each story highlight the significance of their input. A foreword from 9/11 widow Jennifer Sands sets a genuine, heartfelt tone. It delivers an emotional punch that few stories in the collection can match. Any time the subject of spirituality is addressed, there is a fine line between preaching and inspiring. Selections that ring true do not tell the reader what to do. They do not end with a happily wrapped-up conclusion. Instead they depict a continuing struggle against life's challenges. Faith is the sustaining factor. These pages contain many personal affirmations that are worth celebrating. In "Losing a Child," Nancy Purcell reflects on the unexpected death of her 16-year-old daughter. She beautifully compares the fulfilled expectation of spring with the promise of eternal life. Twenty-five years later, I still think on her truth, her love of Christ, and her joyfulness as I dig in the earth and plant seeds, expecting a garden of beauties to rise come spring. And they do, just as Christ did that Easter morning. Because of Him, I never think of her as lost; I know where she is. For anyone who has witnessed a loved one dying, the details in Janice Flood Nichols' "Hands Stretched Out" are spot on. The slow wasting away of an elderly parent or grandparent is difficult to watch. Small moments of hope help to ease the feeling of utter helplessness. As I watched my mother transition from this life to the next, I came to believe that God, in His infinite love and mercy, had granted our family a glimpse into life's most poignant and final journey - a journey that may well be guided by those who have already crossed over. We were privy to a peaceful, glorious transformation. The editors delve through the Bible introducing each story with a perfectly matched verse. For the topic of relationships, an obscure passage - I Peter 3:3-4 - touchingly illustrates the long-lasting impression of inner beauty: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." The lives of many women are plagued by anxiety - worries about children, financial concerns, job instability, etc. The words of Scripture offer a comforting alternative. The editors wisely include Matthew 6:25-27: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink ... Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Other

Love this book there are so many people that have stories to tell and when you are feeling down, you can turn to this book and read how they overcame many obstacles.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women: 101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage and Inspire Women by Susan Heim and Karen Talcott is the newest is the CSS series and this one, being just for women, does not disappoint. Susan Heim, Karen Talcott as well as a host of other contributors present these short inspirational packed stories that will bring perspective as you read each one. In this day and age, high expectations are placed on women. Attempting to meet (and sometimes trying to exceed) these expectations can leave us feeling detached, removed, and distraught. These 101 devotions that open with scripture, follow with a short, poignant story and end with a suggested prayer may be just what you need when you've superwoman-o-meter has maxed out. Find yourself `Running From God' at times, read Lorie Bibee's story on page 35. You may find there is no such place. Overwhelmed with your daily list of `To Do's", read Elizabeth Fenn's story on page 66. You may find there is no mundane task that God is not willing help you with. Or maybe you wake up tomorrow and have an rebellious streak. Read Susan Heim's `Feeling Like Peter's" story on page 168 that introducing the idea that you cannot be `estranged' with God and playfulness has a definite place in all our lives. As women, we need breaks from our busy lives. Each of us can spare a few minutes alone each day. When you come upon those few moments, grab this book and read a quick story. You may find the rest of your day goes much better with your perspective back in alignment. I recommend this for personal bible study as scripture is a part of each devotional or for group meetings when short messages are in order or simply for those time we need a gentle reminder of who we are in Christ. Disclaimer The review copy of this book was provided free of charge by the publisher and was donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church. Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix Reviewed for: Susan Heim

I know this book is meant to be read in little daily bites, but the devotional stories were so interesting and encouraging that I just kept reading! I gave copies of the book to several friends, and found they did exactly the same thing! The devotions are well written, but even more, it's a wonderful thing to see the hand of God moving in peoples lives. And it helped me to see the holy side of every day living. This is definately on my Christmas gift giving list!

Every once in a while I find comfort in reading stories that speak to my own experience. I might find a solution, or just take delight in knowing that I'm not alone. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women fulfills that need. There are many stories that will inspire you, bring comfort, make you laugh, and potentially set you off on a new life journey. I must share that I am excited to be one of the contributing writers in this book - story #96 entitled "He Holds My Hand." This book is another great selection from the Chicken Soup for the Soul family of books.