Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Work In Progress (& giveaway)

http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_images/ISBNCovers/Covers_Enlarged/9780446198004_388X586.jpg


Work in Progress: An Unfinished Woman's Guide to Grace
by Kristin Armstrong
Published by Faith Words
144 Pages
Women's Self-Help

Because we should all be THAT WOMAN. Yes, the woman who walks into a room and exudes love, peace, joy and grace to everyone. However we are all on the road there, none has completely arrived, although some are much closer to the goal than others.In Work In Progress: An Unfinished Woman's Guide To Grace, Kristin Armstrong goes over what she believes to be the essential key traits in making the way toward that goal. She writes a chapter for each of the qualities: Beauty, Confidence, Softness, Trust, Truth, Generosity, Forgiveness, Courage, Wisdom, Authenticity, and Freedom.

There is nothing that helps a person want to jump in with two feet more than another who is doing it and cheering you on to do the same. I found in Kristin Armstrong a woman who is not proud or flaunting, she makes it a point to show her weakness, to be real and to walk in humility all of which are traits which attracted me to her. This is a great book with key points to which all women in this quest towards grace would certainly feel they can relate to. I enjoyed reading it.

My favourite chapters where those on Wisdom and Authenticity as those are two of the traits I admire the most and would most long to be recognized for. I know that it takes time and endurance and self control to walk the road to Grace, and yes I am definitely and unfinished woman. This book, Work in Progress is just another step in pursuit of that goal, and I really enjoyed this leg of that race.

I also must say that while Lance Armstrong was in his winning streak (what was it 7 years in a row, even with battling cancer!?!) I watched him while I lived in Spain with admiration, as he was the kindred spirit of an American that I could route for. My family LIVED the Tour de France, we loved Motorola and then U.S Postal and yes, Lance was our hero. After reading this book, I got a chance to see into Kristin Armstrong's life and perspective.No matter the pain they have gone though, they are both heroes, in different ways, but yet they are. Lance as far as an athlete goes, is an extraordinary man, Krisitn well, she is an athlete too but I admire her most for her courage and devotion to God throughout the divorce and raising up of their children. I loved getting the perspective on her that I now have, as well as learning from her how to grow and mature in grace.

Which traits do you value the most in someone?

Giveaway!
I have a copy to giveaway! Write a comment on this post by the 18th of March and you'll be included. Sorry no PO Boxes, and only US and Canada addresses please.

Author Website: Kristin Armstrong
Funny Commercial with Kristin Armstrong:

(and I must say that when I was training, it is true I know it sounds weird, but I would get home and chug milk. It sounds gross, but it must have been that calcium that my body craved)

11 comments:

Janssen said...

I love Kristin Armstrong. I was so so sad when they got divorced. Because, you know, it makes any difference in MY life. . .

Unknown said...

You did a great job on your review! No need to enter me in the contest as I'm on the blog tour as well. :-)

Annie1 said...

Traits that I appreciate the most in people are sincerity, honesty, forgiving, wow I think I could go on and on.

I've been divorced once and know the trials and tribulations that come along with it, but I would really love to read this book.

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Ronda's Rants said...

Oh...that does sound interesting...put me in please!
rondasrants@gmail.com

DianeG said...

Traits I admire most are sincerity, honesty and respect. Thanks for reviewing this book. It looks great!

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

jansen- I do too, and I fully know what you mean by being sad about it.

Farrah from whife and mom of 3- thanks :) I'll head over to see what you thought!

Annie- yes there is so much that could be pretty or ugly in a person. I do agree that sincerity, honesly and forgiveness are BIG.

Rhonda- I will for sure!

DLG- yes, those are big ones. I just love all the good traits :) and none of the bad! haha.

Anonymous said...

More than anything, I admire wisdom and sincerity. A wise and sincere person will never steer you in the wrong direction and they're generally just the kind of person that can be relied upon. I'm still young and feel like I'm striving to be that wise and sincere person.

I would love a chance to read this book. :)

Lori L said...

Great review! Divorce is hard for anyone, but even more difficult to handle with grace when you are or have been in the public spotlight.

Cackleberry Homestead said...

I love Kristin Armstrong also - as a runner and as a Christian woman. I think the traits I most appreciate are sincerity and honesty.

Marie said...

Great review. I'd love to read this book. Please enter me.

The trait I most admire: Integrity.

Thanks.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

Janssen won!!! congrats girl :)