Enter to Win A Copy of "Feminine Threads"!

If you've had the desire to study the topic of women and Church history, then no need to look any further. Diana Lynn Severance, (PhD, Rice University) a historian with broad
experience teaching in universities and seminaries, has done the work for you in this creatively packaged book, called "Feminine Threads".

In 336 pages, Diana Severance takes you from as far back as the New Testament era all the way up to the last decades of influential women in Christian history and modern times. "Feminine Threads" is a very readable survey of influential women of the last 2,000 years.

If you are anything like me, you want to see detailed bibliographies and footnotes in the books you read. It’s important to know where authors retrieve their information. Diana Severance meticulously notes where she is getting her facts from.

Interwoven throughout the book are all sorts of precious truths about ladies of old. For example, she notes that "probably the one person from the early centuries of the Church who influenced later Church history more than any other was Augustine (354-430), who became Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. Augustine himself, however, recognized that to a great degree his Christian faith was an answer to the prayers of his mother Monica." Severance goes on to note that in Augustine's confessions he describes his mother as "God's servant" and then says, "who brought me to birth both in her body, so that I was brought into the light of time, and in her heart, so that I was born into the light of eternity." We also learn from Severance that growing up Monica learned modesty, sobriety, and obedience to her parents.

And later in the book, we read of the trials and triumphs of ladies like Susanna Wesley (John Wesley's mother) who had "nineteen children, only nine of whom lived to adulthood. One daughter as deformed for life." But even though her household was large and though she had many trials, Severance points out that she "had to be organized and methodical if she was to accomplish anything. She spent at least an hour of every day in her private devotions; six hours a day, six days a week she set aside for the education of her children, even writing some of the textbooks and study materials herself. She instructed the children in both academic subjects and Christian truth."

I dare you to get a copy of this book and try to read it for only 5 minutes. It won't happen! You will find yourself engulfed in it.

And in case you're still undecided about why to purchase a copy for your personal library here are a few more details and endorsements that might convince you that Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History belongs on your bookshelf:
• Chronological account of Christian women
(120+)
• Includes extracts of letters, diaries and published
works
From commoner to queen, the women in this book embraced
the freedom and the power of the Gospel in making their
unique contributions to the unfolding of history.
The true story of women in Christian history inspires,
challenges and demonstrates the grace of God producing
much fruit throughout time.

“a record packed with spiritual insights and one that is both timely
and significant.”
Faith Cook
Derbyshire, England

“ with lively prose and scholarly care she has given us an excellent
overview of the various ways in which Christian women have
sought to live for Christ.”
Michael A. G. Haykin
Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Louisville, KY

“What women these Christians have!” exclaimed Libanius, the
fourth century teacher of rhetoric. His words are amply underscored
and vividly illustrated in this deeply researched and highly readable
survey of the last 2,000 years – an appraisal that Diana Severance
invariably places against the enduring touchstone of Scripture.”
Richard Bewes, OBE, Author & retired rector of All Souls Church,
Langham Place, London

“I recommend every woman read and study and keep within
reach for reference and inspiration!”
Dorothy Kelley Patterson
Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fort Worth, Texas

"No-one reading this book can fail to be encouraged by the faith of
these ordinary women who, in their own generation, humbly trusted
the Word of God and lived to serve the Lord of whom it speaks."
Carrie Sandom,
Women’s Worker, Christchurch Mayfair

“Well researched and well written, this study of “feminine threads”
in Christian history makes for a tapestry of inspiration and
instruction for all who love the Lord and his church – men and
women alike.”
Timothy George
Founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University
General editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

***Special Thanks to Christian Focus Publications for sending me a copy of this book to review and give -away on the Fish With Trish Blog. God bless you, all.


Here's What to do to Enter Your Name to WIN:
There are 2 Ways to enter your name in the drawing...

1. For 2 entries, post this give away on your website, blog, or social networking site like Twitter and Facebook.

2. For 1 entry, simply enter your name below (in the comment section) and a way for me to contact you if you win.

Contest ends Sunday, July. 31, 2011 at midnight (CST). Open to US residents only.

I will randomly pick 1 name and the winner will be announced later in the day on Monday, Sept. 1, 2011.