I adored this book. Bekah is a new author to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing and her writing style. This book is just the right balance of story telling, interpretation and application. The book is the right blend of self reflection and teaching. Each chapter of the book could be read as a standalone lesson, but they complement each other well into a complete book. This book would be great for a book club or a small group. Each chapter would lend itself to rich study and discussion.

In 13 chapters, the book explores topics such as rest, transition, loss, beauty & worth, loneliness, tension and gratitude. I found myself wishing I had the paper version of the book so I could underline and highlight passages.
A few of the passages I e-highlighted:
"Planner, I found, was a fancy title for Worrier, for if the plan didn't stay with the agenda, self-doubt rooted."
and
"I do this with God. I feel like I need to bring my resolutions to Him so He'll perform like the gentleman choosing a grand prize waiting behind one of three doors. Except God doesn't need to grant one of my resolutions as a prize."

I read this advanced reader copy via NetGalley, but I plan on pre-ordering this book so I can re-read with pen in hand.

Loved this book! It was well written and very insightful. I loved how she included stories from her own crazy, busy life. It was very REAL and heartfelt. I'm inspired to choose REAL!

Timely words from Miss Bekah! Not only does she share her story and sweet anecdotes, she asks the deep, thought provoking questions that we need to be asking ourselves. Adding to my gift list for many friends.

I could not put this book down. I know it will be very helpful in coming months as I revisit some of the things. The challenge will be remembering that God created me and delights in me. The book contained some poignant moments and many tears later as God gentle loved me through some tough moment. definitely would recommend this to many people,

Choosing REAL is an invitation to step through grief and into a life that embraces the hard. To recognize the pain but choose not to sit in it.

It's rare that an author can inspire tears to spring to my eyes. But Pogue did. Her vulnerability is refreshing.

I finished this book in a much different place mentally and spiritually than when I entered.

Choosing Real

An Invitation to Celebrate When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
by Bekah Jane Pogue

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Shiloh Run Press
Christian, Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 01 Dec 2016

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Choosing Real through the publisher and Netgalley:

This book encourages us to embrace the everyday moments of life, and see Jesus in them. It reminds us that though we are human, and creatures of Flesh, God still loves us.

Bekah Jane Pogue reminds us of the importance of Soul Care, and taking times to ourselves, as well as allowing ourselves to be appreciated.

Even in times of grief, of loss, God gives us reminders to help us through, a favoritevColor, a favorite flower, a favorite food of the one we lost.

The importance of being real is emphasized, and the author calls real the new perfect. She reminds us that even when we vent and whine, God will still love us, and we should not give others this Pollyanna view of ourselves, allow the imperfections to be shown, but don’t be overcome by them.

The author goes on to encourage us to take time away from Social Media, and connect with those we love, to remember that Facebook, doesn’t do the same thing as a face to face conversation with the ones we love.

I give Choosing Real five out of five Stars.

Happy Reading…

This book is so beautifully written by Bekah. From the first page you are captivated by her writing. I am a fan of saying "Keepin' It Real" and that's exactly what she does. It's about everyday life, not the life where everything is perfect. How do you choose to keep it real? Well Bekah shows us how through her personal stories and insights. I was so motivated to make a change in not only how I see things, but how I do things. I am praying she writes more books, because I definitely would be standing in line for her next one. This is a journey of hope, peace, love, suffering and grace. Will you choose real?

I loved reading Choosing Real. The author's voice reminded me of another author I adore, Jen Hatmaker. This is one of those books that you read and feel like the author is speaking to you directly. More like a letter from a friend, as opposed to someone you've never met giving you advice. It's all about those unplanned events in life that make you question who you are and what your purpose is as you journey through life. I would definitely reread this book, and recommend it to friends who are in need of a spiritual recharge, or just a great book!

Pogue uses conversational language dipped in humor to reveal to her readers that Choosing Real is exactly where God is. In choosing to see that God is in every moment, including the passing of her father, the party that didn’t go as planned, the reality of friendships, the everyday marriage moments, and the ebbs and flows of motherhood, the reader is relieved to know… Oh! She gets it. I’m not the only one.

When the reader chooses to embrace the reality of our present moments, she is Choosing Real when she chooses to see God in that reality.

Choosing Real opens as an invitation, an RSVP if you will, to join Jesus in a faith walk whether the reader knows what that looks like or not. It is a faith invitation. Invitations to follow Jesus never cease and meet us right where we are. Will you choose to trust?

One of my favorite parts of the book was when she and her family threw a Thanksgiving in May. How amazing to give God a grand thanks on a day that is not reserved in November. It inclined me to explore the same for my family. It would also free us up to visit everyone else on Thanksgiving, and not have to worry about putting on a big production.

I was especially grateful when Pogue walked me through tasting, smelling, seeing, feeling God in the small things. Her book led up to this grand revelation. I was surprised to know that her father had passed and Choosing Real was birthed from that. How could anyone manage? Because God met Pogue in her off season to reveal to her how He was ever present as long as she was a willing participant.

Like Pogue, I too feel compelled to dream big. If there is a felt need, I immediately begin exploring avenues to put on earth-shaking conferences, writing workshops for my community, revival tents and barbecues in my backyard. What I need to see is that God is never more glorious than when I pick up the phone and call a friend I haven’t spoken to in ages to invite her and her family over for dinner.