Secrets of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson

Having had read and enjoyed Bruce Wilkinson's Secrets of the Vine, I ordered this book to review wondering, "Why write this book?" I doubted this book for women could top the amazing Spirit-led book by Bruce Wilkinson.

Shortly into the book, the answer was clear. Secrets of the Vine for Women introduced a woman's perspective on John 15. The author (and wife of Bruce Wilkinson) Darlene Marie explained why she wrote this book.

Secrets of the Vine was more widely read by women than men. Bruce Wilkinson received many letters and comments from women about how the book changed the their lives that Darlene Marie decided to write this book to address many of the comments.

The purpose of this book as in the original is to experience greater fruitfulness in your life. God disciplines those He loves - those who are His (Romans 10:9-11). Using John 15 and relating that Scripture to our lives is such a powerful key to open the door to abundance in our lives.

A story of a daughter and her father was weaved throughout the book. The story was so helpful in not only understanding the complexity of running a vineyard but it was symbolic of the care and love our heavenly Father give to us.

There were so many nuggets in this petite book. I quote (page 26), "Too many women I know think of singing in the choir or teaching a Sunday school class as the real good works, and the ordinary tasks of serving others throughout the day as somehow less significant. Even the disciples had that problem." We then read the account in Mark 14:3-9 when Mary anointed Jesus with oil that the disciples thought should be used to sell and give to charity.

Page 43, "Sadly, Christians you and I know are suffering every day unnecessarily because they have not heard or acted on the truth of God's discipline. They misinterpret unwanted circumstances and emotions as random events when they are actually God's efforts to set them free from sin and bring them back to fruitfulness."

Before reviewing this book, I doubted I would enjoy this book more than the first. I enjoyed this book just as much but in a different way. This book was quite personal. The author's warm and encouraging story telling was a true blessing. I did not want to put the book down as I felt as if I were sharing a cup of coffee with a friend or wise mentor. I felt as if I were in a retreat. This book is a spa for the soul!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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