My Thoughts on The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant Week Four

This is the last post about the The Treasured Woman for the 2015 September book club. I want to encourage you to keep on reading with us, and if you haven't started the Treasured Woman. Go ahead and read it! I want to remind you that the October book club is Sandi Rog's Out of the Ashes.  If you haven't gotten a copy, pick one up today.

My Thoughts on The Treasured Woman

Chapter 10: Rehab

Rehab is one of my favorite women of the Bible. She is a woman who found faith in God and hid the spies in Jericho. She is also the mother of Boaz who married Ruth, so if my counting is right, she is the g-great grandmother of King David. I don't suspect she ever imagined in her wildest dreams that she would have a future King of Israel in her lineage, or even greater, the King of Kings: Christ!

Christa talks about putting God first, "grabbing on and not letting go." She challenges us to examine our own lives and really ask ourselves if we are putting God first. She brings up one of my biggest pet peeves, and that is the parent who puts secular activities before the worship of God. We must be careful to encourage our children to put God first and not to put stumbling blocks in their paths.

Rehab recognized the power of the Lord. She had heard of the works he'd done as he brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. She knew that they were conquering the lands about her, and in her fear and reverence toward God she desired to cling to him and follow his commands. (Hanging the scarlet ribbon from her window.)

Christa encourages us to recognize that God has laid out a path to become Christians, and that his way is the only way to salvation. Just as the spies told Rehab to gather her family into her house and tie the scarlet ribbon in her window to be saved, God has told us that we must put him on in baptism to be saved (John 3, Acts 2:38).  Rehab was wise enough to recognize God's conditions for salvation, and we must be, too!

Chapter 11: Hannah

I've always felt a special kinship to Hannah. There was a time I was told that I would not be able to have children. In fact, I had to tell this to the man who loved me before I married him so he would know going into our marriage there was that possibility. I wanted him to have a choice for his future even if that meant his future was with someone else.

The crazy thing about our story is that we got pregnant right away after we got married with our first child. We were surprised so, I assumed the doctor's warnings were completely wrong, until we tried to have our second.

It took two years to get pregnant with our daughter. People around us were having babies, and I can't express the pain I felt seeing their happiness, knowing that I might not ever be able to have another child. (I know that sounds petty, I was already blessed with a son, but it was how I felt at the time.)

When I finally did get pregnant with our second child, it was after being electrocuted in a lightening storm -- story for another time -- I decided if the baby was a boy his name would be Samuel, because I knew he was a gift from God.  When she was born her name quickly became Naomi.  We thought that was all, but God had other plans and a year and two weeks later our third child was born. Surprise!

While, I don't know all the pain a woman who can never have children has, I do remember those two years we tried to get pregnant and the years before I had our first child. I remember what it was like to think I would go through life never knowing a child of my own, so in some ways I understand part of Hannah's pain.

Hannah was mistreated by her husband's other wife, and in her complete sadness she prayed to God asking for a son. God granted her petition, and soon her son Samuel was born. Hannah was so thankful to have a son that she dedicated his life to God. Christa reminds us that our children are gifts from God and we should raise them in the service of God.

She also reminds us to count our blessings and to use our abilities for God. Christa teaches us that giving back to others, and doing good is where happiness truly lies.

Chapter 12: Esther

Esther was not only a woman of courage but she was a prepared and humble woman. Esther is a great example of a woman who rose to meet the challenges that came her way and her story is s shining example of the providence of God.

Christa encourages us to remember that we are the daughters of the King and because of this we can have courage to follow him and use the abilities he's given us. She also reminds us in order to use those abilities, we must grow in them. We must study the Bible so we can teach others, and always look to his word for guidance.

If we hone our abilities we can use them for honor and glory to God. For example, if you're a great writer, you can be writing books, or articles. If your an accomplished speaker you may be speaking on ladies days. We must remember that the only way to sharpen our abilities is to use them. We don't have to be fearful when the occasion arises for us to use our abilities, because we can rest assured that when we are faithfully following God he is with us.

Chapter 13: The 21st Century Woman

Christa ties all the women covered in the first 12 chapters to remind us that we can be the women God wants us to be, and we can be the woman given for an example to us in Proverbs 31.

To be this woman we must have a consuming faith, and let go our our excuses. God can use us, we have never done anything so bad that he won't forgive, and we have never gone through anything so hard that we cannot recover. We must be hard workers in the kingdom of Christ, teach our children God's ways and serve others. We can be the Proverbs woman let's start today!

Don't forget to rate Christa's book on Amazon click: here.

Thoughts Over Week Three Readings of The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant

Thoughts on Ruth:

Ruth is an amazing woman who shows her love for her family through her good works. Just as the Proverbs woman worked hard for her family, Ruth worked for hers. One of the things I love about Ruth is that she was willing to go to a strange country and live with her mother-in-law.

I would dare say many of us do not have that kind of relationship with our mothers-in-law, and truly that's sad. I am certain her love for Naomi is what drove her to work so hard, and something we would do good to emulate. After all, our mothers-in-law raised the men we love!

I know first-hand that it's hard leaving everyone you know and the place you grew up, but Ruth was willing to go. Many of us live in the same town we have always lived, or at the very least in the same state.

We are comfortable where we are, and we wouldn't dream of leaving. But, what if the church in Alaska needed you, or Florida or Ireland. Would you be willing to go? It's something we should all think about as we live our Christian walks. If God called for us to go today as he did in the Old Testament, would we say "Here am I send me?"

Thoughts on Abigail:

Abigail was a wise woman and full of courage. Christa points out that she took responsibility for the actions of her husband Nabal. While, Nabal's actions were not her own and shouldn't be held to Abigail's charge, she felt compelled to do the right thing anyway by offering hospitality to David when her husband had refused. Abigail was courageous to seek out David and offer him kindness.

We must learn that we should always do the right thing in this life, even when it's hard. As we raised our children, we always emphasized that telling the truth was the only option even if it was hard. My kids got the lesson, and I can't even tell you how many things they have told me over the years that knocked my socks off when they were asking for forgiveness. I am truly blessed!

Sometimes approaching a brother or sister in Christ is hard when we have a disagreement, or even when we were in the right and the other was in the wrong. Talking to each other is always better than spreading gossip or causing chaos. Sometimes we also need to know when it is best to walk away from a situation. We should always remember if we are doing what's right, God will sort it out in the end.

Thoughts on Deborah:

Deborah is one of my all-time favorite women in the Bible. She is an Old Testament example of a woman leading the nation of Israel as a judge. She is a military battle strategist, and also called the mother of Israel. Deborah was a phenomenal woman!

One of the reasons that Deborah was such a success is that she listened to God and knew she could put her trust in him. That is such a great lesson for us today. To understand what God wants for our lives we must understand his book, the Bible, and that takes study.

Christa observes that having the knowledge of God's word will help you as daily challenges arise. Isn't it a beautiful thing to know that God has supplied the answers all we have to do is look?

Book of the Month Club Week Three: The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant

I can't believe that we are getting close to the end of our first ever book of the month club book! Woo-hoo! While I am sad to see the book coming to an end, I am so happy that we are going to be starting a new book very, very soon.

If you haven't had the chance to read The Treasured Woman, you still can. It's a fantastic book and I wholly recommend it!


The next book of the month club book (for October) is Out of the Ashes by Sandi Rog. It is a fiction book, and already has a 5-star ratings on Amazon. I hope you plan to read along with us! I'll post the reading schedule at the end of the month. 

Out of the Ashes
"A stranger. A kiss. A shotgun wedding. NATHANIEL WARD, wealthy entrepreneur, needs a wife. But he's not interested in the preening, high-society women who are offered to him on a silver platter. He wants one woman, and one woman alone: the girl who gave him all the money in her reticule years ago when the Great Chicago Fire left him destitute. He sets out to find this woman and discovers she's unattached. There's only one problem, a shotgun wedding may be able to bind them, but will he ever be able to win her heart? AMELIA E. TAYLOR blows a kiss to a street rat. Little did she know, years later that kiss would follow her to Green Pines, Colorado. When a handsome stranger arrives in her hometown, she guards her heart from the stirrings this man ignites. Despite society's disapproval of spinsterhood, she is determined not to marry, having witnessed first-hand the lack of love and horrors that accompany marriage. But will a shotgun wedding reveal blessings that arise out of the ashes?"



Are you excited about the upcoming book for the book of the month club?

Book of the Month Club The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 by Christa Bryant Week 2 Discussion

The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31

Chapter Four (My Thoughts)

When I examine life, one the greatest treasures I have is that my children and husband are all Christians. I truly know what a blessing it is, and I also know that is not something every sister in Christ can say.

Chapter four really stresses the importance of the seed we plant in our children. Instilling the love of God in a child at a young age goes a long way to their being faithful as an adult.

Christa stated "The greatest way to convince our children of the love of God is not in some program or curriculum; the greatest way to convince our children is to be convinced ourselves." Would that my brothers and sisters would understand that simple lesson! I have seen many people stress over the next new program "so our children will be engaged," and never even consider the example they are living in front of their child. We must practice what we preach if we are going to show our children how much God and his church truly means to us.

Chapter Five (My Thoughts)

Reaching out to the poor and less fortunate to fill earthly needs is very important. The old adage that states a person doesn't care what you know until they know how much you care is very true. We must spend our time helping others when possible. There are people all around us who are sick, dying and poor. Many of them are living in sin, and without our hands to help them up and point the way to Christ they may never obey the gospel.

I have often heard well-meaning brethren ask, "What if I help someone and they do something wrong, keep coming back, or are just using me?" Typically this is asked when helping a person involves our own pocket book or the church treasury. The best answer I can offer is to remind us that helping a person is not wrong, and we should always err on the side of right.

I remember a couple stopping by the church building when we were at our first preaching position. My husband and I were both in our early twenties and had a very low monthly income. Usually money requests were talked about with the elders, but we were the only people at the building. The couple asked for money for groceries and we gave them as much as we could.

About thirty-minutes later we saw the man and woman walking out of the convenience store with a case of beer. At first I was angry, because we gave money out of our grocery budget so another family could have food and they bought alcohol. But, the more I thought about it, the more I was ashamed over my anger.

We had done what was right. At the time, I didn't know if the people were telling me the truth or not when they asked for money, but I knew they were asking, and I had the opportunity to help them.

God knew that we had given them money for food, but what they did with it was out of our control and on their heads. We could have used this experience to prevent us from ever helping someone again, but that's not what happened. Any time we can help someone we do, and I'd like to encourage you to do so, too.

Always pay attention to those around you. You will find so many people in need. Stay observant. I know a Christian woman who saw a woman crying at the gas pump. So she went and asked the lady what was the matter. The crying woman had accidentally forgotten her purse at home and didn't know how she was going to pay for her gas. So, the Christian woman paid for it.

I know another instance where a woman and her daughter were broken down on the side of the road. They were traveling and were several hundred miles away from home and didn't have any money to spare. A family stopped and offered help, but the car needed a mechanic. This family gave the women a ride to the closest motel and paid for them to stay a night. When the ladies asked what they could do in return, the man told them when they have the opportunity to stop in to visit their local church of Christ. A seed was planted.

There are so many opportunities to help people if we just pay attention. 

Chapter Six (My Thoughts)

Prioritizing. Christa points out, and rightly so, we can not "trade being over-worked for hard work."  I am certain I am not the only person who sometimes has this problem. Often it seems that I have a perpetual hand in the air waving saying pick me, pick me. I'll do it."

We must learn to prioritize our lives (me included.) We must also remember that doing good works for the Lord does not mean we do EVERY good work. I heard someone say that if we are doing every good work that goes on in a congregation, we probably aren't doing our best work at any of them. So, I would encourage you to choose things you feel passionate about and do those things.

As a preacher's wife, I know what it means to be pulled in every direction. It often seems that the preacher's wife is expected to be involved with everything a congregation does. If this is you, STOP! Choose a few good works that your are passionate about and do those with all your might, but learn to say no.

If you're not a preacher's wife and you've expected your preacher's wife to take up all the extra slack. You need to re-evaluate your thinking, and then see what you can do to help her.

Together, we as women can work hard for the Lord, and through doing so we can plant the seed for the kingdom. I want to challenge you to plant those seeds, help people in need and work hard for the cause of Christ.

I'm loving this study! Aren't you?

--Susan


What other things did you take from this weeks readings?

The Treasured Woman Book of The Month Club Week Two Reading Schedule

I hope you're enjoying the The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 by Christa Bryant. I know I am. There has been a lot of discussion on several posts about the book.

If you haven't gotten your copy of the book yet it's not too late. It's available in print, , Ebook, and audio book. You can even get the Kindle app for free here: Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices

Christa has been writing back and forth about the study, too. So make sure you take the time to post. I'm sure she looks forward to your comments as do I.

Week Two

We are reading chapters 3-6 this week. I will post a discussion over the chapters on Friday, so be looking for it.

Thanks for participating!

--Susan




What has been your favorite part of the book so far?

The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant Book of the Month Club Reading Discussion Week One

If you're reading along with me you already know that the first three chapters of The Treasured Woman are fantastic! I want to thank Christa Bryant for writing this book. It is full of wisdom that so many of us have forgotten.

Chapter One: The Proverbs 31 Woman

In chapter one Christa covers the account of the Proverbs woman in great detail. She encourages readers to list the admirable qualities of the Proverbs woman that they would most like to adopt into their lifestyle, and encourages readers with a call to action. Woman are asked to explore how to instill these admirable traits into their lives. She also challenges readers to examine their own lives to see what specific characteristics of the Proverbs woman they can improve upon.

Chapter Two: Mary, Mother of Jesus

Chapter two is an account of Mary's conception and concentrates on God knowing what kind of heart we have which leads to "her husband can safely trust in her." This is an immensely important topic for today's culture. Somehow, we (in general) have lost the truth that a husband and wife are a team. They want what's best for each other, and will work hard to make the other one happy.

I believe our society has a lot to do with the current climate of misunderstanding of the marriage relationship, and that has permeated into the Lord's church. We as wives must remember something I was taught long ago. God, husband, then children. As Christa concludes, a worthy woman who trusts in God will love him with all her heart, love her husband and want what's good for him -- which includes caring for his children.


Chapter Three: Mary and Martha

"Is this a good decision for my family and can I honor God by the choice I make?" This question is probably the most important question Christa tackles in chapter three. As Christian women we must consider the decisions we make. Christa encourages us to pick up our Bibles and read it, because through it we know what God's will is for our lives.

As a women who has been a Christian for 20+ years I can say that there have been times I needed to study my Bible much more, and there have been times I have drank up the word. Years of study has truly made my decision making process much easier, because I know what God wants in every situation I find myself. I know how he wants me to dress. I know that he wants me to be at worship (even if there are secular events scheduled, or family is in.) I know God wants my dedication to him above all us.

Christa shows the importance of  our dedication to God and why we most hone our decision making skills to the pattern of God's word.


Thank you Christa!


What have your learned from chapters one through three?

Upcoming Book of the Month Club Books For September Through December

Book of the Month Club Book for September, 2015:

The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 by Christa Bryant

"In The Treasured Woman, Christa Bryant brings to life the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman as she examines them and relates them back to some of the most honored, beloved women in Scripture. This book goes beyond the lofty expectations that Proverbs 31 tends to place upon women, digging deeper into the Word of God to reveal that these “unattainable” qualities can actually be achieved.

In this thirteen-lesson study guide, Christa gives the reader real-life examples of a virtuous woman. You will be re-introduced to women such as Mary, Abigail, Ruth, Hannah, Rahab, and many others—all of whom lived the Proverbs 31 way of life and became treasured women to their families and to God. Questions at the end of each chapter serve to spark additional reflection and discussion. This study will give you the inspiration, confidence, and guidance you need to become a precious gem among the fellowship of believers." (Amazon)

Book of the Month Club Book for October, 2015:

Out of the Ashes (The Chicago Fire Series Book 1) by Sandi Rog

"A stranger. A kiss. A shotgun wedding.

NATHANIEL WARD, wealthy entrepreneur, needs a wife. But he’s not interested in the preening, high-society women who are offered to him on a silver platter. He wants one woman, and one woman alone: the girl who gave him all the money in her reticule years ago when the Great Chicago Fire left him destitute. He sets out to find this woman and discovers she’s unattached. There’s only one problem, a shotgun wedding may be able to bind them, but will he ever be able to win her heart?

AMELIA E. TAYLOR blows a kiss to a street rat. Little did she know, years later that kiss would follow her to Green Pines Colorado. When a handsome stranger arrives in her hometown, she guards her heart from the stirrings this man ignites. Despite society’s disapproval of spinsterhood, she is determined not to marry, having witnessed first-hand the lack of love and horrors that accompany marriage. But will a shotgun wedding reveal blessings that arise out of the ashes?" (Amazon)

Book of the Month Club Book for November, 2015:

Purer in Heart by Heather Pryor

"What does it take to be purer in heart? This 13 lesson study for teen-aged girls and women explores possessing purity in every area of our lives so that we may stand before the Lord with "clean hands and a pure heart". (Psalm 24:3-4) Each lesson includes discussion questions, a personal challenge, prayer requests, and a scripture to commit to memory. Chapter topics include: Purity in our speech, Purity in our thoughts, Purity in our motives, Purity in our religion, and more. The book is designed to be used for either personal or group Bible study. Grab a Bible and prepare your heart to delve into the Scriptures to search for the answers to growing purer in heart." (Amazon)

Book of the Month Club Book for December, 2015:

Every Flaw Every Perfection by Susan Elliott

"Every Flaw, Every Perfection is a beautiful collection of poetry. This is the fourth collection of poetry written by Susan Elliott. These poems are poems of the heart; including one in Gaelic with an English translation."








These books are available in print and in ebook! Pick up your favorite version today.

Don't forget to read the Rules of Engagement before commenting.

Book of the Month Club: The Treasured Woman by Christa Bryant

Christa Bryant's The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 is our first Book of the Month Club selection from Church of Christ Women Authors!

You can click the link or picture to find the book in print or ebook.

Reading and Posting Schedule:

Week 1: Chapters 1-3
Week 2: Chapters 4-6
Week 3: Chapters 7-10
Week 4: Chapters 11-13


Please invite your friends and family to join our book of the month club!

Please Enjoy a Free Preview Below:

Make sure to read the Rules for Engagement before posting.

Don't forget to check out Christa Bryant's Meet the Author Page!


Don't forget to post your comments below during the month of September.  

Meet the Editor: Christa Bryant

(c) Naomi Elliott

Meet the Editor: Christa Bryant

Christa Bryant, author of The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31, also works as a professional editor. She is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and has a degree in English Education. If you're looking for editing services shoot her a quick email at christamsb@yahoo.com.

Her current going rate is $3 a page.

Don't forget to check out Christa Bryant's Meet the Author Page!



What are your tips for editing?

Sometimes There's a Book That Takes The World by Storm: Muscle and a Shovel by Michael Shank

About Muscle and a Shovel:

"Muscle and a Shovel is a raw and gritty true story about a pair of young newly-weds who move to the city to chase the American dream. In the process they're befriended by a man who turns their belief about God, their church, and their faith upside down! Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, the Community Churches - none are spared when Truth is at stake and their new friend Randall isn't about to "candy coat" God's Word for the sake of "political correctness" or "religious tolerance." 

This story will grip you from opening to close and will stimulate your spirit on levels you didn't think possible. Get ready to fight or flee because Muscle and a Shovel is one of those rare books that will raise your heart-rate and your blood-pressure. You won't want to wait to share it with your friends or you'll want to dowse it in gasoline and set on fire! There'll be no middle ground. Many Christian reviewers have said, "This book will turn our current religious world upside-down!"(Amazon)

From Church of Christ Women Authors:

You may be asking yourself why a blog that caters to women writers who are members of the church of Christ is posting this book. It's obviously not written by a woman (although-- you might notice Christa Bryant, author of The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 is the editor, (Check out her Meet the Author's Page).

From time to time there is a book that everyone needs to be aware of.  This is that book. I read it several months ago, after it was recommended by many friends. I will tell you that the first few pages had me in tears for joy. It is a beautiful book and is great for a gift for people who are not Christians. It not only points the way to Christ through a compelling read, it reminds us of our responsibility to teach those around us.

Everyone should own a copy of Muscle and a Shovel !



Have you read this book?