Small Changes for a Better Life Growth and Study Guide: Daily Steps to Living God's Plan for You

by Elizabeth George

In this study guide that complements the book Small Changes for a Better Life, bestselling author Elizabeth George presents God's guidelines for knowing His kind of success in every area of life. Each lesson gives practical guidance, specific scriptures for encouragement, and small steps to take that will help women increase the joy, fulfillment, and effectiveness of each day. Formerly titled God's Wisdom for a Woman's Life Growth & Study Guide

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Faith

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit! I felt that it was more practical and helpful than some of her other books. Some chapters were very basic, while others were a little deeper and more practical. One section I especially appreciated was on time management. The author spoke of how the problem is not time management, but with life management. It's a good book to read if you need to brush up on the "basics" or if you're a new Christian.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great help for living a purposeful life!

[Kimberly Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it came right at a time where I was struggling and needed some guidance. Very easy read and helpful to get on the right path.

[Karin Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth George is such a wonderful writer. I don't think I've ever read a book by her that I didn't read with a highlighter and leave with many take-aways. This is one of my favorite books by her.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth George has the remarkable ability to write about subject areas that are part of readers' lives and apply them with biblical teachings. Some of the topics of this book are managing family life, ministry, friendships, and, of course, Bible study and prayer. Ms. George offers practical tips that readers can utilize to help them in these particular areas of life. Reading these books are always an encouragement to me.

[Jennifer Buczynski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters were helpful, some were not so helpful. I definitely didn't agree with 100% of this book, and some of it seemed very legalistic, although she didn't want it to me. Not my favorite book this year and it almost felt like a waste of time reading it.

[Jessica Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive, but great advice. Elizabeth gives each topic with bite sized "just for today... This week..." Which makes it less overwhelming as we want to make changes but often give up.

[Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible Study. Easy to read. Provides scripture references and ways to improve our lives.

[Brad Knopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, helpful content, from a positive perspective.
One note, the "Whatever you do today is important..." quote is actually by Hartsill Wilson, from his earlier poem, "A New Day."

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

[Margo Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Small Changes..." is a Christian based self help effort by Elizabeth George. She comes from a denominational background but this book can benefit women: sectarians and Christians. In it, she offers points on how to live a spiritually productive life. This is possible by practicing discipline in all areas of one's life. The most important is to develop and pursue faith in God. After one has obeyed the gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38) each day should be dedicated to God and living out His will. This involves daily reading and study of the Bible, prayer, and keeping busy doing God's work.
Some readers may be put off or discouraged by the author's unrelenting focus on applying discipline to all areas of one's life. For example, she insists that all women should live by a schedule which is reasonable but she goes a little far when she applies one's diet (what and how much one eats) to rigorous discipline.
Apart from this complaint, this book can help women to focus on living a spiritually productive life.

[Karyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my. I have lots of things to say about this book, but my mom always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

That said, I read this book because I'd heard mixed reviews from quite a few friends and wanted to read the book for myself instead of making my judgments based on the opinions of others. Rather than feel encouraged to make "small changes", I felt discouraged. It felt like a book full of unrealistic suggestions and expectations.