Title: The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul
Author: Carla Gasser
Illustrator: Vivian Kammel
Publisher: BethanyHouse
ISBN: 978-0764-3518-4
“As you examine each of the nine spiritual attributes, you will go through the sequential process of searching, observing, using, and leaning,” writes in Carla Gasser at the beginning of her book, The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul.
~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-forty-four-page hardbound targets mainly women who want to rid themselves of internal clutter and focus on their relationship with God via the nine Biblical spiritual fruits. After notes from the author and illustrator, study method instructions, and useful tools, it contains three parts, each with three chapters, and ends with a conclusion, helpful terms, acknowledgments, notes, and biographies. Using mainly the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, The Message, NASB, NIV, and NLT are also referenced. Beautiful watercolored designs of nature grace almost all the open pages that include a silk yellow ribbon marker.
By expounding on the fruits of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, each of the nine chapters covers one attribute to be discussed throughout the week. The chapters cover the topic through the four processes of searching Scripture, observing ways to promote the attribute, using it in every-day life, and leaning on the knowledge learned. With written-out Bible verses, quotes from famous people, and the author’s experiences, there are sections to write notes and answer questions.
~ Why ~
In these complicated times, it is hard as a Christian to declutter the heart and mind and focus solely on God. I like the journal-type format the emphasizes one of the fruits per chapter and applying it to one’s life. There is a lovely charm to the book’s visual presentation.
One chapter I appreciated was on joy as it expounds on its “calm delight” that is not based on circumstances, people, or things. Bible verses added are from John, I Peter, Romans, Psalms, and Philippians. Joy’s characteristics are different than happiness as it restores our souls and brings us eternal hope and direction. The lack of joy can be from unconfessed sin, being ashamed of our faith, and saying no to God, yet we can lean on a better understanding through reading about King David and Ezra from the Bible.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not understand why the soul yearns for a better connection to Him. Some may not like the added personal experiences from the author or having to write answers or notes within a book. Others may prefer daily Bible reading or a yearly devotional that does not cover only nine weeks.
~ Wish ~
While this is a lovely gift book for a friend or self who feels overwhelmed with the clutter of life, I found it could be read daily instead of over a week. I prefer different Bible versions and that all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a beautiful display book that recalls the fruits of the Spirit can unclutter the myriad of internal angst and worry, this will help reevaluate attitudes while transforming the soul.
Thanks to Bethany House for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.
#BethanyHouse #CarlaGasser #VivianKammel #TheBeautyofanUnclutteredSoul
This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3oKcXy6
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