I probably won't get around to going through the questions until tomorrow (I'm at work!), but I just wanted to leave a comment here so the thread doesn't look so lonely! :)

I'm going to have to take some time with these questions and maybe do them one at a time even. I did read the first chapter though, and I both liked it and was uncomfortable with it. I can't explain. It was SO different than Beth Moore (who I didn't really like - so I don't know why that bothered me at all!) I was thrown off by the focus more on mainstream media rather than The Word.

Did anyone else get caught off guard by that? I've never done another bible study, so I wasn't sure if that was normal?

I did like the writing style and it gave me a lot to think about... I'll work on the questions!

SIF...I am TOTALLY with you on this...I really liked that it was so mainstream but because the writing was so spot on it really worked up some emotions I didn't know I had...I guess that's a good thing in the long run....when I get a chance I'll post my answers tomorrow...also even in the guide it says to read the book or chapters first and then go back through to answer the questions....I read the 2nd chapter last night and the focus does turn more towards God and the Bible but still keeps the mainstream examples in it...I think this is going to be a GREAT study!

Good! I'm so excited! I was for sure thrown at how different it was, but I did like it...

I'll come back and post tomorrow....or possible Friday. Sorry! Super busy.

Yeah it's pretty mainstream, but does get into the Word. Just wait, you'll love it :) It's convicting...that's all I can really say.

1. As you flip through chapter one, did you highlight anything? What strikes you? What did it evoke in your heart?

The stuff about wanting a great romance (whether you know it or not) really hit home for me. I am insanely independent, but I still have that fantasy of happily ever after for sure. I want to be fought for and desired - don't we all?

I will say some of the overall generalizations through me off a bit though. I never had a horse phase, or some of the other things mentioned. The general concepts resonated with me, but all the parts discussing what "most little girls" want threw me a little. Some of the examples were so broad that I can't imagine "most" little girls actually had those desires or wants.

you mean you didn't HAVE to have a "twirling skirt" :)

I'm with you SIF (and Andrea), while there are some really true things in the book, I get frustrated with stereotypical generalizations about "women" that at times make their way in. I really love Eldredge's ability to speak into "mainstream culture", but sometimes I feel like he/she goes too long without drawing it back to scripture. If we are talking about God's heart for women, God's "voice" needs to be very present.

Yeah, it was weird Ashley, because it wasn't like I didn't like the writing (I actually really enjoyed it), I was just thrown off by all the generalizations and mainstream mentions. I wasn't expecting so little God talk - but OneGirl says it's coming! :)

2. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt alive as a woman? Who were you with? What happened? How did you feel?

I really had to think about this one. I feel like I pretty typically feel "alive" and as a woman, but to put it into a describable context? I'm just not sure... What defines feeling alive as a woman anyway?

I do think I probably feel most like a woman when I am in a nurturing role. When I am comforting a friend or a child. When I am putting my work ethic into something that is for the greater good. Something about being in that role does make my womanhood soar.

Beyond that, I'm not sure I can pinpoint a specific instance when I have ever thought to myself "I feel like a woman right now!" Driving to Alaska was certainly empowering, as was my trip to Australia. Both of those events left me feeling pretty strong and proud of myself - but is that as a woman or just as a person?

I'm honestly not sure...