Things aren't easy for a pastor's wife
920149
Things aren't easy for a pastor's wife. This was recommended to me after going through some very difficult times. I'm LOVING reading it each morning.
3551946
Such a shame that leaders controlling people elders etc are still wounding the body.
Numbers of Christians that leave churches because they haven't. Found a way to cope with the pain of betrayal by those who are suppose to love them.
Trusting in the power of God to change the situation until you know it's time to change churches take courage.
This book maybe the answer to staying open to Gods purpose for you helping you work through the feelings and anger(at times) don't leave God don't stop loving God just because the waters are muddy in the church.
991112
In her book Confessions of a Church Planter's Wife, Angie Hemp pours out her heart about her personal life as a church planter's wife with humor.  If you are a church planter's wife you will relate to the following segments entitled:
"You will become Elastigirl" (2-4) where she shows you will be stretched to the furthest extent.

"Your faith will be tested like never before"(4-5).  Nothing compares to this.

"Some days you will feel insane" (7-8). This section shows those feelings of losing it altogether.

"Worn out, Weary and Pulled in Every Different Direction"( 83-84).  Church Planting wives will relate to this.

"Becoming Weary Can Equal Death," (137-139).  This maybe an exaggeration but it sure feels like it.

This is a book that is easy to read as you discover yourself within its pages.
The book is divided into five parts.  The first four are Angie's story and lessons she drew from her battles.  The first chapter of the last part is written by Jon, her husband, seemingly in self-defense. However his remarks add understanding to some of what Angie shares.  It is always good to hear both sides of the story and in a marriage husband and wife are two sides.

Angie talks about her and her husband, Jon, taking a pastorate in Utah and the internal battles she fought in assuming the role of a church planter's wife. Being an introvert she felt misunderstood. Then she says if Jon loved her why couldn't he understand the conflict inside her? Her two boys were a blessing but an added dimension to the mayhem that confused her. Depression became a prey as she sank into feelings of disappointment, frustration, anger, rebellion, tiredness and inner conflict with seemingly no way out.  How could she serve God filled with such negative thoughts and feelings?

You will discover she finds the secret to peace. Her sense of humor, strong determination and true desire to serve God brings her through to a peace filled life. It is a book that inspires the reader to keep on until the last page.

At last, a book for church planter's wives, or should I say one of two books available through Amazon.com.  Even though the road is hard there are solutions to the struggles along the way. It is an adventure with God.  Angie finds her answer as she serves God and overcomes her own deepest difficulties.
1080034
The author kept writing that God is enough in the face of losing a child, but she kept going back to not totally trusting Him.  It made it hard for me to believe her.  Trusting God again can be very difficult after losing a child.
3722624
I'm assuming that if you're thinking about this book, you're in the ministry or you volunteer regularly and it takes up a chunk of your life; or you've been in position to see the way that serving people can eat your life and negatively affect families. It's a hard thing to balance. This book was written by a real youth pastor who works in a real church, has a real family, has to meet real demands, and has a real walk with God. He's honest about his struggles and his thought process as he battled against his struggles. He gives you ideas and a direction as you follow God in the ministry you have. You won't find condemnation or finger pointing or "my way is the only and best way." You will find inspiration to continue to follow Christ as you fulfill the ministry He's given. Great job Brian Berry. I wish I could meet you...and your wife. If what you're saying is true, and actually happens in your life, you're wife must be all in and amazing.
2687074
This story revolves around a married Christian couple, Kellen and Juliet. Happily married and deeply in love, they are both devout Christians.

Kellen is a musical talent scout and spends a lot of time in the evenings going out to listen to potential clients. Juliette really doesn't care for that type atmosphere and would rather spend time at her church and local shelters.

When Kellen goes to a club to listen to a young singer, Chloe, he is deeply attracted to her for some reason. He loves his wife, but can't seem to get Chloe out of his mind. He tries to avoid spending much time with her, but fate seems to keep throwing her in his path. He knows it is wrong, but enjoys the feeling he gets when he is around her.

Meanwhile, Juliet is lonely, and although she spends a lot of time at the church, she misses her husband. There is a man, Tim, who attends the church who is attracted to her. She however, doesn't want anything to do with him.

Kellen struggles with his attraction to Chloe, which becomes more and more difficult. Eventually, in a moment of weakness, he leans over and kisses her. Unfortunately, someone in the office sees this and the word gets out. Eventually; while attending a party, Juliette overhears two women talking about it.

Thus begins a very difficult time in their relationship. Kellen is extremely sorry over the entire thing, and is not seeing Chloe at all anymore, even in a working relationship. Juliet, however, feels betrayed and is not willing to forgive him.

How this young couple tries to discover how to resolve their situation is something every couple should read about. They must first find out why they were so easily susceptible to temptation in the first place. The rest of the story tells of their search for peace, forgiveness and the ability to restore their marriage. They work with their pastor and with God to find all the answers.

This author has much insight into many of the causes of misunderstanding and problems that face so many couples today. She shows each step in their new understanding of each other and how they finally come together in love and harmony and make a marriage that is much stronger than it ever was before.
1810539
True story of a wife and mother struggling with her faith during testing in her life.  Appreciated the honesty of the author.  She was not afraid to share with her reader that she is not perfect.  She tells us how she reacted - good or bad.  She also is very clear that God carried her through those trials and safely to the other side.
2051728
The Circuit Rider tells of some of the challenges facing pastors of this era.  His protector may be a little overdone.  However ,possibly it is an accurate description also.  Fast paced journey across the western half of the U. S.  told in a most entertaining manner.
4191631
This book was truly written by a lady who has "been there - done that". I also am married to a pastor and I couldn't have said it better than her.  She covered all the bases and did it with scripture and personal experience.  I can highly recommend this book!
1790404
Cinna is in the midst of change, even though she doesn't realize or understand it.  She has been a friend to Leilani for years as they've led a life filled with parties, drinking, men and sex.  They both turned their backs on their friend Nisha, who became a born again Christian.  Neither wanted to suffer the same fate in their lives as Nisha had, which they perceived was filled with boredom and too much church. In essence, Cinna and Leilani were running away from God and all that living a Christian life involved.  As Cinna faces issues of being single and living in the world, Nisha places a well-timed visit with her to deliver a few spiritual words with no pressure.  Soon Cinna begins to realize just how lost she really is, as she begins searching for what is missing in her life.

In CINNA, Kitina Thomas captures the fundamental nature of the struggle single women face living in the world today and trying to be a Christian.  There is a constant battle for their minds and bodies as they are seduced by the material and sexual content of this world.  Thomas illustrates the stand one must take and the responsibility each has as they try to become more Christ-like.  In this relatively short book, messages of healing, faith, redemption and love abound.  It just could have benefited from editing.  Thomas is very astute in being able to transfer basic Bible teachings into a story that uplifts, educates and, most of all, reveres God.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
752266
Candace Johnson was only twelve when she lost her mother. After seventeen years of marriage, she lost her husband. Now her best friend, Pamela Coleman, has been killed. Losing so many loved ones has caused Candace to put her faith in God on the back burner. Will she ever be able to connect with the heavenly Father again?

I liked Candace. She was a strong, independent woman and a good mother to two teens - Rachel (16) and Daniel (14). I also liked Beulah and Mrs. Roberts, and some of the conversations Candace had with them.  Candace stopped attending church regularly after her husband's death, but even though she was struggling with her faith, she did not forget where her help came from. Candace knew how to call on God in times of need.

I understood Candace's pain, but I did not agree with her thinking God took her loved ones. Her mother, her husband, her best friend, each of them died in a way that I don't believe God would have anything to do with. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Reading this story, I was reminded of  how sometimes Christians don't take the time to thank God when good things happen, but they are quick to blame Him, or say He's the One responsible, when something goes wrong. It's as if they forget there's also an Enemy. The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

This novel has sixty chapters, but most are not lengthy. The story grabbed me from the beginning. It was written in a way that kept me wondering and guessing who the killer was and, although there was a bit of repetitiveness, it was not predictable. While investigators looked into Pamela's murder, Candace did some investigating of her own. She was a woman fighting for justice. She had questions and with every turn of the page I was anticipating the answers. I started reading in the evening hours. When I was ready to go to bed, I had to read one more chapter, and then one more.... It was difficult to put this book down.

Survivor's guilt, legalism, adultery, flawed Christians, domestic violence, forgiveness - Tyora Moody deals with these issues and a bit more. She has penned an entertaining, suspenseful debut!!
2949963
this story will show even as christians we make mistakes,this story is one of two people who make theirs and she trys to handle it own her own till she finds it better to let God help her through this and now she trys to find her childs father and fix the past.
1141169
This book shows about a woman that with permission from her pastor starts a temporary shelter in their church. It shows in Gods timings things happen. On a personal note this was touching and I really needed to read this and will read this again. Netgalley review
3770062
This was a awesome book. I really enjoyed reading it. Every pastors wife should read it. I will
read it again.
1536460
This book is being used at our church during a difficult time of transition and repositioning for the next chapter in the churches life.
3327850
This book is geared toward Church Ministers and maybe church leaders. It shares a lot of real situations and covers many reasons prone to cause problems in churches.
It can get frustrating to read through with so many negative situations are shared - page after page. It took longer to read because I didn't want to deal with so many problematic scenarios but the point may have been that Pastors must handle them daily.
The tone in parts of the book felt somewhat negative and I found myself not looking forward to reading it each evening.

The great part of the book is towards the end where biblical truths are put into practical ideas for handling conflicts as Christians. This information was very helpful for churches of any size, for families and individuals in relationships.

I was given an electronic version of this book free of charge from Bethany house Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
4699929
Pastor Terrance Ellis was minding his own business while handling church duties.  But as a single man people are going to think something is wrong when you are not dating or doesn't have a wife.  Being raised by three women who are faithful church members and Christians, the pastor finds himself in situation after situation with his aunts trying to play the match maker.  Unfortunately for Terrance his aunts want him to find the perfect Christian woman, but the pastor finds him self attracted to Samantha McKinney.  Considered the church tramp, why would a prominent pastor be interested in someone like this is a question not only for his aunts but for the church body?  Samantha wants the pastor and sets out to seduce him.  Being the new first lady of Lily Grove Church would change her life.

I enjoyed Reshonda Tate Billingsley story telling about the preacher and his search for love.  This novel is certainly filled with drama, a fast read and a page turner.  I highly recommend this funny, yet serious take on a church who wants their pastor to have a wife.