The very existence of HGTV, the DIY movement, and Pinterest proves we love great design. We adore plans and perfectly staged rooms. But what happens when we discover we are living a life we did not design? When our dreams lie in tatters or when we experience loss of any kind? What happens when life feels like one big Pinterest fail? Where is God in the midst of what doesn’t make sense? Does he … Does he care?
Drawing from time-honored design principles such as movement, contrast, and pattern, former interior designer and Bible teacher Tracy Steel offers frustrated and discontented women the assurance that God is their ever-present, caring Designer. With a mix of wit and wisdom, Tracy proves through biblical examples and personal testimony that God remains true to his plans and purposes, accomplishing them in and through us in every season of life. She helps us recognize God’s design principles, enabling us to embrace our sometimes messy lives, especially when they’re ones we never would have designed for ourselves.
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Many women enjoy learning about the new trends in home design and decoration but how often do they think about redesigning their lives? Tracy Steel is a former interior decorator who has written a book with design tips for both our homes and our lives. Step by step, she shows how the concepts of interior design are comparable to the design that God has used for each of us. Steel reminds us that even though we may have helped design our homes, it is God, the original designer, who has planned our lives.
Steel uses Bible scripture, inspirational thoughts, and key design principles to guide us and encourage us as we work to make the changes needed. I have learned so much from reading this book and I am inspired to apply these design principles to my own life. A Redesigned Life reminded me that just as my home requires upkeep and renovation, my life is also in need of repair and renewal!
We all fail. But God is holy.
We lie or exaggerate. God is honest.
We wound. God heals.
We hold a grudge. God extends Grace. (p. 85)
A Redesigned Life is a book that needs to be marked in, writtten in, and referred to often and it is a book that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.
“A Redesigned Life” is a book made for those of us who love to watch “Fixer Upper” and dream of being Joanna Gaines. Tracy Steel crafts this unique book, highlighting the principles of interior design, which she intersperses between stories of her own life and those of other valiant women.
Steel uses her skills as a Bible teacher to explain how God can change our perspective and encourage us to accept the life that actually is, rather than our expectation of what life should be. Between the stories of Steel’s work in youth ministry, married life and parenting a child newly diagnosed with special needs, we see biblical stories of those who had a wrench thrown into their well organized plans. Through each story, some of which could be considered difficult, Steel continues to offer hope and encouragement to the reader.
Each chapter has questions at the end that lend themselves to discussion or self reflection. There is much to be gleaned from “A Redesigned Life” and it would be perfect for a group, as the material could be applicable to many generations of women. I truly found great encouragement here and believe this would be a thoughtful gift to a friend who loves DIY projects. So pull up a comfy seat, your Bible and a cup of tea–why not begin the process of finding God’s purpose instead of the plan you’ve crafted for your life? You might just find a new design that fits far better than anything you could dream of.
I had the opportunity to read this book early, thanks to Baker Publishing. All opinions are my own and I chose