I read Elizabeth George's A Young Woman After God's Own Heart several years ago and I really enjoyed it. Her devotional books are so unlike the normal teenage devotions. She actually gives deep insight in what nowadays would be considered long chapters. I'm not much for the three-minute devos; I like something that I can dig into. I like to read something that helps me understand what I'm reading in the Bible, something that helps me apply. Mrs. George's books definitely do that!
Each chapter in this book includes a "Heart Response" section and two additional sections to journal in. I've never been really fond of writing in my books (I'd rather lend them to someone else), but I love these sections because I'm able to think for myself about things. Mrs. George includes written out Scripture verses in the chapter and in some of the sections, but otherwise she has the reader look up the verses for herself. I love that! All too often I can glance over a verse quickly, but looking it up myself grasps my interest and makes sure that I read clearly.
What is this book about? The fruit of the Spirit, how it applied to Jesus' life, and how it applies to a young woman's life today. I was deeply enriched by the descriptions and explanations in this book because Elizabeth George wrote so clearly and effectively. She tied each fruit of the Spirit to Jesus' life on earth and then explained the importance of living a Christ-like existence. It all ties together so amazingly. In the end I was actually able to remember the fruit of the Spirit and the meanings because Mrs. George cleverly designed some easy mottoes to remember.
I would recommend this book to any young woman. It is not only an deep and inspiring book, but it is also fun and enjoyable to read. It is something that I would certainly read again.
