Working Women of the Bible by Susan DiMickele

 This Bible Study/devo style book was anointed! First of all, the intro explained that this was not going to be one of those trendy "feel good" Bible study books. The author explained that she was not claiming to be a theologian or "expert" or "God help" guru (my words) but would come alongside the working woman and encourage her to look to the women of the Bible for inspiration.

Author Susan DiMickele shared that yes, women are called to follow Jesus, but she also threw out a quite relatable question on page 13, "Could somebody just please show me how it's supposed to be done?" I related to her question. So often as Christians, we just point out something for someone to do. Our words are many and it would be so easy to just show someone the way! Lead by example. I appreciated her candid struggle with not being shown how to do something new. Her question inspired me to do more than just talking about how to do something.

Thus the central theme of the entire book. She pointed working women to the working women of the Bible as our mentors. Interesting to me was the explanation of the two types of prostitution back in the days of Rahab. Who knew one type was accepted more so (ritual) vs. commercial, which was not as preferable of a way to "make a living" as a ritual prostitute was back then.

There were so many interesting facts I learned from reading Working Women of the Bible. One of them was found on page 123 in which the author stated, "Esther is like a glow stick - you can't turn her off." I appreciate this visual and how Esther also seemed to me to be a bit of an Energizer Bunny with regard to the King. It was the way in which the author explained in context the life of each woman mentioned and the challenge which led to the underpinnings (faith and mission combined) of each working woman which allowed each story to stick in my brain cells. I have never looked at any of these women in the way in which the author shared  with such attention on history and context. For these reasons I announced at the beginning of this review that this book truly was anointed. It truly was life changing for me.

The author stepped aside and was the vessel not the star in each chapter. The working woman in each chapter (as well as Jesus in the last chapter!) was the star. Lastly, I appreciated on page 160 learning the difference between worry and ponder. Also, "We have much to gain from Lydia's style. Many of us expect Christian women to be culturally insulated- even dull and boring. We've bought into a lie that we lack spiritual depth if we like to shop or wear leopard-skin pants or paint our toenails bright red. Even worse, some career women think they have to give up their style first in order to follow Christ. I once heard a pastor refer to this myth as the "second conversion." Once new Christians come to faith, they think they have to conform to a set of "Christian" cultural norms. They have to dress a certain way, attend certain church functions, and abstain from certain activities. It's all rather exhausting. I'm not buying it. And neither is Lydia...." (page 191).

Applause!

My only one eensy beensy criticism is that I did come across several editing oversights throughout the book. I would not have mentioned this in my review but the last typo on page 191 could not be overlooked. The author mentioned a "shrinking violent." I bring this fact up because here in South Florida where there is a large Spanish speaking population in our Bible studies, this comment no doubt would have been confusing as the term "shrinking violet" (with the language barrier as slang statements often have to be explained) may have been questioned, but to not have the correct term to begin with, the entire point may be lost on the reader.

Every church serious about mentoring women according to the Bible's standards should buy this book for their Bible study. Women need women and this Bible study would be excellent in a group study situation as the author is so relatable to the working Christian woman. We all need Titus women in our lives and this book contains many!

Purchase: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196  and to learn more about the author please visit her blog http://www.susandimickele.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their  book 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.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Turn Your Business Card into Business by Reno Lovison

This business book of big business card ideas began with the author's first run at entrepreneurship. In the Preface Mr. Reno Lovison described his childhood profit-making Kool-Aid stand. He was merely a post kindergartner, a pre-first grader! I found his account to be not only humorous, endearing but inspiring as well.

His personal sharing was truly a celebration of the capitalistic society that we enjoy in America. Capitalism does work and kudos to Mr. Lovison for taking the time to nail this fact in place from the very start of the book.

Page Three hit me hard, "First of all it is very helpful if you understand how marketing is different than advertising. The main thing to remember is that advertising is a part of marketing." As I continued reading I realized a very important fact that I had never understood. In understanding the interplay, one can effectively incorporate their business card as a mega money saving tool to not only get business but save $$ (advertising is expensive!).

A challenge using an impressive formula was to give out 1,000 business cards per year which broken down amounts to 21 cards per week. The author shared the idea of putting the cards in a business card folder each week and by the following Monday all the cards should be gone. Repeat.

Good ideas came in two's, three's and four's. I loved the fishbowl ideas. How many of us haven't seen that big old fish bowl sitting on the table at boat shows, corporate seminars, home shows, etc.? In Turn Your Business Card into Business the author shared ideas I had never seen before. Great ideas!

You must check out the Wingman Strategy on page 23! Here are five ideas of how to get your business card to travel far and wide with little effort on your part: 1. Include your business card in the envelope with your bills 2. Leave under a tip when you dine 3. Wherever you vacation, leave your card wherever and whenever you can 4. Throw your cards in the air every time you sell a car (if you are a car salesman) - have to read the book 5. Any service occasion such as a wedding photographer - place your business cards on the table and as guests arrive they will not only know who you are, but can pick up your card on the way out.

I enjoyed reading Turn Your Business Card into Business. I gleaned so much from the author's instruction on communication, planting seeds that will grow, image development, increasing word-of-mouth business and so much more. The author's encouraging writing style was inspiring and friendly.

I learned much and will put into practice all the tips, tricks and good practices....starting Monday. There will be no time to waste as I have 21 business cards to hand out. It will be easy though because handing out business cards does not have to be intimidating, aggressive or awkward. It is easy when you realize planting seeds is the key. One day at a time. One business card at a time leads to one new customer. Before you know it, your seeds will bring forth a fruitful business endeavor.

Buy this book today - before buying new business cards!

Visit the author's website http://www.businesscardtobusiness.com/ to buy this book and for more helpful hints on business card success.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for book review. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.