Kristen WelchRhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough

The whole time I was reading this book I continued to thank God that he had Kristen write this book. It is beautifully written and enjoyable to read. I laughed, I cried, I learned, I related, I was inspired and moved beyond words. She gave us such an honest look into her life. There were times when I was crying and wanted to put the book down because it was too much emotion, yet couldn't because it was exactly what I needed. It changed me. I did not expect the book to be so deep, so true, so every single word that I needed to hear! Her example of forgiveness with her husband and the redemption of their marriage was something that hit so close to home that it hurt to read yet filled me with hope and more grace and mercy than I had held before. Their family's sacrifice and faith is awe-inspiring. Their mission on keeping their family together and raising them differently is also something that is amazing to read about. And the practical tips to do that type of intentional parenting such as creating a family mission statement, was very helpful to read about. No it won't be easy to say completely yes and be completely all in for what God wants to do through you. But the journey and the outcome is well-worth the sacrifice. Because of her story, I see the importance of throwing off everything that hinders me, to show the love of Christ that he lavishes on me. To do what he wants me to do. To make a difference in the world around me. To give generously. And to do it as a family! So that my Children grow up with big faith, and grow up with the desire to give everything they can to the God who loves them lavishly and the people he loves. I will never be the same after hearing her story and her struggles. We all have struggles, and to put them out there with so much honesty and describing how she got and continues to get through them is a true gift to any reader who picks up this book. Read this book. You will love hearing her story and you will never be the same.

This is a wonderful book, written by a wonderful author. Rhinestone Jesus was recommended to me by several blog friends, and after reading about it, I couldn't help but purchase it. I definitely was a "Rhinestone Jesus" type of girl growing up, complete with Jesus shirts, Jesus friends, and Jesus accessories. I didn't have a sparkly rhinestone Jesus pin, but being the good Christian girl was a huge part of my identity growing up.So naturally, after reading a few reviews and some blurbs on the book, I couldn't help but buy it.And wow! Kristen Welch does not disappoint! She has the incredible ability of making her life experiences accessible and relatable to so many people. Furthermore, while she's sharing her family's story, their incredible yeses to God, and how they learned to live out an unsafe, uncertain, and daring faith, she shares it from a point of absolute humility. This book isn't a "hey look at all the things we've done right" type of book. It's definitely more of a "hey look at all the ways we've made mistakes, but look at what God's done with them" type of book. And I loved it!I highly, highly recommend this book. I've recommended it to several friends, and even let one borrow my book. She came back to me saying "It's sooooooo gooooood!" and apparently had trouble putting it down. Sister, I feel you!If you're looking for a well-written, honest, approachable book about how one family learned to deepen their faith and trust God in all the scary yeses, this is your book. But be warned: you'll be challenged. Because as you read through Kristen's story, you'll find yourself thinking, "Hmm...I wonder what God might be asking me to say yes to...." And that, my friends, is scary territory. But remember, God shows up in big ways there, and you'll read about that in this book.Go buy it: now!

During the adoption of our daughter, Zoie, one of my adoption friends encouraged me to read her twin sister’s blog saying…it’s kinda a big deal. That’s when I started reading Kristen Welch's blog, We Are THAT Family and it quickly became one of my favorite places to go. I have loved watching her journey as a struggling mom (aren’t we all) having the courage to say yes to God in her mess. God turned her ordinary into something extraordinary. What an honor joining her on this crazy adventure trekking through mommyhood madness, marriage restoration, loving big in Kenya and serving refugees in her community!Y’all this girl is CRAZY! I love crazy. Kristen has millions of people stop by her blog and runs her nonprofit, Mercy House in Kenya, which rescues pregnant girls in extreme poverty supported by bloggers. That’s crazy, too.I started reading Rhinestone Jesus as part of Kristen's launch team and loved it from page one! It revealed the behind the scenes about the girl who lived a sparkly, safe faith. I connected with her desire to be a "good girl", but never quite living up to the expectations I set for myself. I was 40 years old when I finally said yes in my mess… I did it afraid! I have never regretted a single second living the God-adventure He planned for my life…the moment I said YES! God has that for you, too!I wanted to share with you 3 reasons you should RUN & buy this book:1. If you are wanting to do more for Jesus whatever season of life you are in. You can say YES!2. If you are in that in-between place, desperate to say YES to God but no knowing the exact question.3. If you want to let go of everything that is holding you back and start a God-adventure and really start living.I hope this book makes you laugh, and cry, and opens your heart to love big. Your small yes can change the world!Kari Gibson, blogger at My Crazy Adoption #yesinmymess #rhinestonejesus

What a wonderful read, I couldn't put it down. I'm inspired to say Yes more than I ever have! Thank you for writing this book x