What do you think?
Rate this book
Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God
Do you ever question God's ability to catch you when you fall? Do shame, fear, and brokenness keep you from fully trusting God? Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable? Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable? You are not alone. This is a book about trust. How we fight it. How we learn to do it. How it transforms us. Life is not safe. That reality slips over us as we grow. Our response to the Father in that reality allows us either to swing higher and higher with the trust of a child . . . or fearfully shrink back from the swing set altogether. As we weigh that choice, God Trust me. In a remarkably transparent account, author and speaker Sheila Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led. Sheila has lived a life ruled by the "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ. As you encounter her struggles and triumphs, you also meet ten of the Bible's transformed-Tabitha, David, Paul, and others-who teach us that in spite of overwhelming circumstances, just one trusting encounter with Christ sets beautiful things in motion. It can resurrect dreams, instill purpose, and ignite hope.
269 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2010
67 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Walsh
253 books591 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
Sheila Walsh (05-07-1956) is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with God's Word.
Author of the best-selling memoir Honestly and the Gold Medallion nominee for The Heartache No One Sees, Sheila's most recent release, The Shelter of God's Promises, has also been turned into a DVD curriculum and in-depth Bible study. The Gigi, God's Little Princess book and video series has won the National Retailer's Choice Award twice and is the most popular Christian brand for young girls in the United States.
Sheila co-hosted The 700 Club and her own show Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She is currently completing her Masters in Theology.
Twitter @SheilaWalsh, facebook.com/#!/sheilawalshconnects
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 1, 2013
From our CALEB reviewers:
It is only very occasionally that a book becomes available that speaks to the heart and spirit of a woman but such a treasure is Sheila Walsh’s book Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts GOD.
When she was a child Sheila’s ability to trust was traumatically shattered.
When she became an adult she was institutionalised with depression - the result of unhealed pain. Of this period she writes “...carrying bitterness in our heart eradicates the beauty of Christ but letting it go brings peace...”
As an author she details the long process of learning to trust God again.
Sheila is also a singer, speaker and talk show host who wants women everywhere to know the life transforming power of trust in God and to experience His many beautiful redemptive moments that are the result of a life of peace and joy.
This book is a must-read for all women (and the men who love them) who deal with trust and depression issues. DS
It is only very occasionally that a book becomes available that speaks to the heart and spirit of a woman but such a treasure is Sheila Walsh’s book Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts GOD.
When she was a child Sheila’s ability to trust was traumatically shattered.
When she became an adult she was institutionalised with depression - the result of unhealed pain. Of this period she writes “...carrying bitterness in our heart eradicates the beauty of Christ but letting it go brings peace...”
As an author she details the long process of learning to trust God again.
Sheila is also a singer, speaker and talk show host who wants women everywhere to know the life transforming power of trust in God and to experience His many beautiful redemptive moments that are the result of a life of peace and joy.
This book is a must-read for all women (and the men who love them) who deal with trust and depression issues. DS
June 7, 2010
“I think I am more like Gideon than Tabitha. At certain moments in my life I’ve felt God calling me to places I didn’t want to go because others would do a better job than I would. At this point in my life, I’m finally getting it: there will always be those who can do things better but God chooses each of us to show what He can do. I titled this book Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God because I see that in my life—the way God took a scared little girl and kept calling me to follow Him and see where He is going.” – Sheila Walsh
My expectations for this book were not disappointed. I have always loved Sheila Walsh. Her books have helped me in my journey as I traveled along the rocky cliff and through the long dark nights. God asks us to trust Him—not just trust Him sometimes, but totally. It may feel like someone has tied a blindfold around our eyes and asked us to take one step forward when you know you see a cliff. You think you’ll fall. You think it will cause more pain than you can handle. And then, you step forward and find to your surprise solid ground.
Sheila addresses in her book ten of the Bible’s transformed who teach us how one moment of trust, like dominoes, sets into motion beautiful happenings. I knew most of the stories, but I learned about each one. They were not so different than us. She brought into perspective Joseph’s struggle with his brothers.
“If that’s not foolish, I wouldn’t recognize foolish if it sat up in my porridge wearing a kilt! Why did Joseph share this dream with his brothers? No one asked him about it, this wasn’t a dream that needed interpreting, he had to know this would make his already jealous brothers even more so,” explains Sheila in, “Trusting God With Your Dreams.” She goes on to say, “You can’t chalk this mistake up to Joseph’s youth—that he just didn’t know better. Contrast his insensitivity to the grace and maturity of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was a young teenager when she was visited by an angel and told she would be the mother of the coming Messiah. We are told that on several occasions she ‘pondered these things in her heart.’ There was no sense of entitlement but rather gentle humility. Can you imagine Mary walking around the market square in Nazareth saying, ‘Pleased to meet you. I am about to be the mother of the Savior of the world, but you can call me Mary.’ No, Mary knew, if not from instruction then intuitively, to keep certain information close to her heart—to think on how her words and actions would affect others.”
Her words on Paul hit a familiar chord.
“When I sang in church, which I did fairly often, Mr. Hornal (a deacon in her childhood church in Scotland) expected that it should always be an appropriate hymn from the book we used for Sunday evening services, The Redemption Hymnal. The first time I sang a song by Jamie Owens, an American contemporary Christian artist, Mr. Hornal stopped me as I attempted to creep past him. He asked me in a tone ripe with disapproval, ‘What number was that in The Redemption Hymnal?’ So in my young mind, if Mr. Hornal was an ardent disciple of the Apostle Paul, then Paul must have been a cranky single guy who messed with things that were not his business. I couldn’t have been more wrong—about Mr. Hornal or Paul.” Sheila continues, “Both loved God deeply. They wanted to protect His laws and more, they wanted everyone to do the same—to follow God correctly, completely, fully. They didn’t trust that God, the creator of those laws, would lead us to correct, complete, full lives in His way, His time.”
In the rear of the book are short chapters for Bible Study. It helped to bring into perspective the lives of those Biblical characters and the real life events in Sheila’s life. I often pray for God’s will in my life, but I wonder if I am actually praying for my will. Change is not easy, but if you read the Bible, God asked many of the characters in the Bible to change. These were not small changes either, but drastic. Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Paul endured shipwrecks, persecution, and his feet never rested in his passion for Christ. Gideon was at the wine press when God asked him to be a warrior and deliver Israel. In this book, Sheila Walsh brings you into the lives of these famous Biblical characters. They were real. They each had failure. They each had triumphs. Some trusted. Some didn’t trust God.
I wonder how many of us take God for granted in our every day lives? How many of us doubt His power and wisdom? How many of us rely upon our own meager wisdom? And in the storm, do we cling to what we know or hold to the promises of God? Sheila Walsh leads us through a study of trust. When you are done with this book, you will step forward and know God is your solid ground.
“I trust with everything in me that God is bigger than any scheme of man!” Sheila says, “God uses even the things that someone intends for harm to make something beautiful—to make us more like Jesus.”
(Book Given By Thomas-Nelson Publishers ‘BookSneeze’ To Review)
My expectations for this book were not disappointed. I have always loved Sheila Walsh. Her books have helped me in my journey as I traveled along the rocky cliff and through the long dark nights. God asks us to trust Him—not just trust Him sometimes, but totally. It may feel like someone has tied a blindfold around our eyes and asked us to take one step forward when you know you see a cliff. You think you’ll fall. You think it will cause more pain than you can handle. And then, you step forward and find to your surprise solid ground.
Sheila addresses in her book ten of the Bible’s transformed who teach us how one moment of trust, like dominoes, sets into motion beautiful happenings. I knew most of the stories, but I learned about each one. They were not so different than us. She brought into perspective Joseph’s struggle with his brothers.
“If that’s not foolish, I wouldn’t recognize foolish if it sat up in my porridge wearing a kilt! Why did Joseph share this dream with his brothers? No one asked him about it, this wasn’t a dream that needed interpreting, he had to know this would make his already jealous brothers even more so,” explains Sheila in, “Trusting God With Your Dreams.” She goes on to say, “You can’t chalk this mistake up to Joseph’s youth—that he just didn’t know better. Contrast his insensitivity to the grace and maturity of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was a young teenager when she was visited by an angel and told she would be the mother of the coming Messiah. We are told that on several occasions she ‘pondered these things in her heart.’ There was no sense of entitlement but rather gentle humility. Can you imagine Mary walking around the market square in Nazareth saying, ‘Pleased to meet you. I am about to be the mother of the Savior of the world, but you can call me Mary.’ No, Mary knew, if not from instruction then intuitively, to keep certain information close to her heart—to think on how her words and actions would affect others.”
Her words on Paul hit a familiar chord.
“When I sang in church, which I did fairly often, Mr. Hornal (a deacon in her childhood church in Scotland) expected that it should always be an appropriate hymn from the book we used for Sunday evening services, The Redemption Hymnal. The first time I sang a song by Jamie Owens, an American contemporary Christian artist, Mr. Hornal stopped me as I attempted to creep past him. He asked me in a tone ripe with disapproval, ‘What number was that in The Redemption Hymnal?’ So in my young mind, if Mr. Hornal was an ardent disciple of the Apostle Paul, then Paul must have been a cranky single guy who messed with things that were not his business. I couldn’t have been more wrong—about Mr. Hornal or Paul.” Sheila continues, “Both loved God deeply. They wanted to protect His laws and more, they wanted everyone to do the same—to follow God correctly, completely, fully. They didn’t trust that God, the creator of those laws, would lead us to correct, complete, full lives in His way, His time.”
In the rear of the book are short chapters for Bible Study. It helped to bring into perspective the lives of those Biblical characters and the real life events in Sheila’s life. I often pray for God’s will in my life, but I wonder if I am actually praying for my will. Change is not easy, but if you read the Bible, God asked many of the characters in the Bible to change. These were not small changes either, but drastic. Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Paul endured shipwrecks, persecution, and his feet never rested in his passion for Christ. Gideon was at the wine press when God asked him to be a warrior and deliver Israel. In this book, Sheila Walsh brings you into the lives of these famous Biblical characters. They were real. They each had failure. They each had triumphs. Some trusted. Some didn’t trust God.
I wonder how many of us take God for granted in our every day lives? How many of us doubt His power and wisdom? How many of us rely upon our own meager wisdom? And in the storm, do we cling to what we know or hold to the promises of God? Sheila Walsh leads us through a study of trust. When you are done with this book, you will step forward and know God is your solid ground.
“I trust with everything in me that God is bigger than any scheme of man!” Sheila says, “God uses even the things that someone intends for harm to make something beautiful—to make us more like Jesus.”
(Book Given By Thomas-Nelson Publishers ‘BookSneeze’ To Review)
December 28, 2014
I just finished Sheila’s Book and the main thread that sticks with me is that we should trust God, no matter how many times we fail. Sheila explains that trusting God doesn’t mean to just plug away doing His work. It means in everything you do, trust God with all your heart and watch what He will do – so much more than we can accomplish with our own choices. Sheila uses many New and Old Testament examples to develop her point. She digs deep into the life of Joseph, shedding light on how he had no other choice but to trust God when he was thrown in the pit. Everything had been taken away and he was led into slavery, but through his continued trust in God, he became a Pharaoh’s right hand man and was able to save his family from starvation. She also uses Sampson’s story of being forced to his knees by his own bad choices, but given the chance to trust in God again. She wraps it up explaining what Abraham must have gone through, allowing God to lead his life as well. She gives a detailed description of what Abraham must have been feeling when he was told to sacrifice his only son, then given a ram instead. Sheila relates all these examples to our own lives. She encourages us to trust wholeheartedly because, like the others she discussed, we will only care about our relationship with God when our end of days arrives. Sheila’s writing reminds me of a sweet friend whispering in my hear, “Trust, trust, trust….and if you mess up, trust again”
I started my blog in March so that I would be able to review books and challenge my mind. I don’t know if anyone noticed or not but I’ve had this book on there promising a review ever since then. I was reading it the entire time, a little each day. This book was like a big, drawn out hug. It was full of truth, examples, and encouragements, but it was a bit wordy and slow for me.
November 7, 2014
Some great biblical truths and a great reminder that we can trust God in all situations. Writing style was a little loose at times and it was not well edited (lots of spelling errors etc - which annoyed me!). But overall a good read.
February 13, 2010
From, "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God":
"Although the very idea seems ridiculous to me now, I used to want God to perceive me to have more faith and trust that I really had. If I was hurt or confused by God's silence, I stuffed those feelings deep inside and presented my "good side" to God. But unspoken pain festers and takes a life of its own; it cripples growth"
Does that sound familiar to you?
Maybe you feel or felt that you have to present a "have it together, perfect image" to our Father, to yourself and/or to other person, least you appear weak or a basketcase or 'gasp' not trusting of God?
In "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", Sheila Walsh bares all as she shares her difficult journey recovering from clinical depression and a brief stay at a psychiatric hospital and the road to recovery afterwards.
A beautiful, raw and encouraging book, "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" shares how no matter what Damascus road one has traveled, we are never alone, for our Heavenly Father loves us through all and seeks to give us strength,encouragement, redemption and an opportunity through our life's experiences to be a ministry not only to others, but to discover a trust that can only be found in Him.
Reading, "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", what stood out throughout the reading was when Sheila Walsh shared that,"Now old wounds don't just go away if we ignore them. Old wounds remember. We can bury them for a while, but at some point they will resurface until we deal with them; when the wound is from childhood, it can have very powerful emotion and logic attached to it, even if it is the distorted logic of a child's perspective."
There are many whom in their lives, seek the, just "burn the bridges", "out of sight" out of mind, but in "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", Sheila shares how instead of allowing us to grow closer in trust with our Heavenly Father, by doing so, those "burning bridges" can make it dificult to grow closer to Him.
"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" is a very powerful and emotional filled work that just reallys places a comforting hand on one's shoulder and say, "it can be done and our Heavenly Father has never and will never abandon us" and brings the reader through a journey of how through the darkest moment, our Heavenly Father lifted up Sheila Walsh to her brightest moment in and through His work.
Sharing the verse, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out (Isaiah 42:3 NIV), no one is too broken or beyond Him. She shares how His greatest work in us is when we just completely let go of control of ourselves, our life, our perception of ourselves and what we want others to perceived us as, and just let HIM, be in control.
The most powerful statement that Sheila shared in,"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", that is a reminder of just giving it really all to God is when she shares what Dr.Gripka, her doctor shared with her,"Only that "normal", shiny, controlled-pre-disrupted life would be shallow".
The Bible is filled with imperfect, broken, misunderstand, rebellious, type-A, individuals who eventually by just giving up control to our Heavenly Father, really was able to be transformed and refined as our Heavenly Father desires to do in our lives.
Sheila's book is such a reminder that we may think we can hide our hearts and soul from people and the life around us, but He knows our hearts better than we know it and there is nothing that He doesn't already know. There is no hiding, but there is also no abandonment from Him either. He wants to love us, refine us and encourage us.
Filled with many references to characters who appear in the Bible, both known and even a few obscure one, "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" is moving, the trials that we are reminded of ,that many people in the Bible endured, and just the pure honesty and vulnerabilty of the book, is a wonderful reminder that none of us are perfect, live perfect lives, but have a perfect Father to hold on to and to trust.
"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" is an amazing read that will have you going back over, highlighting, crying, laughing, and if you allow your heart to be opened, understand how much our Heavenly Father seeks to convict us, humble us and get us over this world, and open our hearts to Him so He can prepare, refined and use us for His World.
"This is the way God works. Over and over again he pulls our souls back from certain destruction so we'll see the light-and live in the light! (Job 33:29 MSG)
Are you ready to stop pretending to be something you're not? Are you ready to get over the hurt, the pain, the shame, the fears, whatever it is that ails you in your heart right now and not only draw closer to our Father, but discover the beautiful things He wishes to share in and through you?
Pick up a copy of ,"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", and find out what could be possible when you let go and just really trust Him enough to do what He needs to do.
April 9, 2010
Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God is both a biography and spiritual growth book. Sheila Walsh tells about her battle with depression and admitting herself into a psychiatric hospital for treatment. She gives demonstrative stories of her past throughout a series of character studies about men and women of the Bible. She discusses ten different people and what she has learned from each one. There is also a Bible study included at the back of the book for personal or group study.
This is my second Sheila Walsh book. Years ago, I read All that Really Matters and really liked it. I was excited to read a new one by this Woman of Faith. Beautiful Things Happen did not disappoint me. The writing is authentic, and the stories are inspiring. There were, however, a few spelling and grammatical errors in the book, and while I would not say that it detracted from the content of the book, it was slightly distracting.
I took my time while reading this book. I let myself think about the messages and themes of each chapter. I benefited from it and will be sharing this book, possibly buying it as a gift as well. There were so many wonderful and thought provoking ideas. One of my favorites was the statement that "God is more interested in what He is doing in you than what He is doing through you." AMEN, if we keep our eyes and our hearts on Him than He can and will use us (sometimes without us even realizing it!) I love when God reiterates a certain message through various means. There were a number of other statements throughout the book that God used to speak directly to me, and I believe the same would be true for any reader. Trust in God seems like such a basic thing, but so often, if we are honest with ourselves, we struggle with it. Each day we have to seek to know Him better because in knowing Him, trust will be the inevitable result--And Beautiful things do happen when we trust in God!
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze. This in no way influenced the thoughts and opinions shared in this review.
This is my second Sheila Walsh book. Years ago, I read All that Really Matters and really liked it. I was excited to read a new one by this Woman of Faith. Beautiful Things Happen did not disappoint me. The writing is authentic, and the stories are inspiring. There were, however, a few spelling and grammatical errors in the book, and while I would not say that it detracted from the content of the book, it was slightly distracting.
I took my time while reading this book. I let myself think about the messages and themes of each chapter. I benefited from it and will be sharing this book, possibly buying it as a gift as well. There were so many wonderful and thought provoking ideas. One of my favorites was the statement that "God is more interested in what He is doing in you than what He is doing through you." AMEN, if we keep our eyes and our hearts on Him than He can and will use us (sometimes without us even realizing it!) I love when God reiterates a certain message through various means. There were a number of other statements throughout the book that God used to speak directly to me, and I believe the same would be true for any reader. Trust in God seems like such a basic thing, but so often, if we are honest with ourselves, we struggle with it. Each day we have to seek to know Him better because in knowing Him, trust will be the inevitable result--And Beautiful things do happen when we trust in God!
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze. This in no way influenced the thoughts and opinions shared in this review.
April 1, 2010
As soon as I started reading Sheila Walsh's newest book, Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, I began to identify with her. She is quite open and honest about her ongoing struggles with insecurity, lack of trust, and depression, and I appreciate her vulnerability to her readers. This book is filled with Walsh's personal stories, which she beautifully intertwines with stories of biblical characters' encounters with God.
While she doesn't claim to have achieved constant, unwavering trust in God, Walsh encourages us with the stories of how her faith has and continues to grow. She also speaks against the dangers of not opening yourself up to other people, because our lives are meant to be lived in community. Trying to live your life in isolation--even if that simply means being surrounded by people but still keeping your struggles and issues to yourself--is dangerous and unhealthy. We need others to encourage, support, and pray for us, just as we need to do the same for them. However, our ultimate faith should be placed in God Himself. He has proven Himself time and time again.
With a discussion guide and in-depth Bible study included in the back of the book, I feel that women's small groups would benefit from reading it together. By doing so, the participants will most likely feel encouraged and safe to share their own inner struggles, and some great conversations will come as a result. I would particularly recommend this book to women who struggle with anxiety and depression. It is a solid yet very tender story of faith.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
While she doesn't claim to have achieved constant, unwavering trust in God, Walsh encourages us with the stories of how her faith has and continues to grow. She also speaks against the dangers of not opening yourself up to other people, because our lives are meant to be lived in community. Trying to live your life in isolation--even if that simply means being surrounded by people but still keeping your struggles and issues to yourself--is dangerous and unhealthy. We need others to encourage, support, and pray for us, just as we need to do the same for them. However, our ultimate faith should be placed in God Himself. He has proven Himself time and time again.
With a discussion guide and in-depth Bible study included in the back of the book, I feel that women's small groups would benefit from reading it together. By doing so, the participants will most likely feel encouraged and safe to share their own inner struggles, and some great conversations will come as a result. I would particularly recommend this book to women who struggle with anxiety and depression. It is a solid yet very tender story of faith.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 12, 2010
Review of Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God
By Shelia Walsh
c. 2010 from Thomas Nelson Publishers
Non-fiction: Christian Life
ISBN: 978-1-4002-023343-0
21.99
Shelia Walsh was once a television personality with Pat Robertson’s CBN. A native of Scotland, Shelia shares a painful time in her past when she suffered a breakdown and subsequent rebuilding of her life and faith journey. Now part of the popular Women of Faith tour, Sheila shares her story and gifts through public ministry in speaking, singing, and writing.
Beautiful Things Happen is a story of struggles and triumphs—discovering that we are not alone. Walsh chooses ten Biblical people to teach about what beautiful things can happen when we trust God.
Beginning with her story of the journey of trust, Walsh makes the point that even when you think you’re at the lowest point possible of life as you know it, following the example of people who faced life-changing circumstances can encourage you to walk in faith. It is then that Christ’s beauty shines through.
Walsh uses the stories of people she knew, such as David Watson, a minister who was diagnosed and died from an illness at the prime of life and career, to both familiar Biblical figures, like Gideon who was asked to do something so far out of his comfort that he asked and received signs from God, and less-read and known persons, such as the prophetess Anna who waited her entire life to see a promise, to showcase how trust is the bottom line of faith. Trust doesn’t mean believing God will do your will: Trust means that you are ready to do His, in any circumstance, and especially when you don’t understand the immediate direction.
A Bible Study and chapter by chapter discussion guide are included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
By Shelia Walsh
c. 2010 from Thomas Nelson Publishers
Non-fiction: Christian Life
ISBN: 978-1-4002-023343-0
21.99
Shelia Walsh was once a television personality with Pat Robertson’s CBN. A native of Scotland, Shelia shares a painful time in her past when she suffered a breakdown and subsequent rebuilding of her life and faith journey. Now part of the popular Women of Faith tour, Sheila shares her story and gifts through public ministry in speaking, singing, and writing.
Beautiful Things Happen is a story of struggles and triumphs—discovering that we are not alone. Walsh chooses ten Biblical people to teach about what beautiful things can happen when we trust God.
Beginning with her story of the journey of trust, Walsh makes the point that even when you think you’re at the lowest point possible of life as you know it, following the example of people who faced life-changing circumstances can encourage you to walk in faith. It is then that Christ’s beauty shines through.
Walsh uses the stories of people she knew, such as David Watson, a minister who was diagnosed and died from an illness at the prime of life and career, to both familiar Biblical figures, like Gideon who was asked to do something so far out of his comfort that he asked and received signs from God, and less-read and known persons, such as the prophetess Anna who waited her entire life to see a promise, to showcase how trust is the bottom line of faith. Trust doesn’t mean believing God will do your will: Trust means that you are ready to do His, in any circumstance, and especially when you don’t understand the immediate direction.
A Bible Study and chapter by chapter discussion guide are included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
February 22, 2011
In Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, Sheila Walsh combines teaching on trusting God with her lifelong struggle with fear. She shows how encountering God changes us: our lives become characterized by trust rather than insecurity. Walsh follows the lives of ten Biblical characters (such as Abraham and Joseph) and shows how their lives changed after personally experiencing God’s trustworthy nature.
Walsh’s candor about her own trust issues is endearing; she obviously understands many of the problems women face in following Christ whole-heartedly.
While the book is well-written, I ran into some things that troubled me. The choices of Biblical characters are usually sound; obviously, Abraham trusted God after encountering Him. However, Walsh took some creative liberties when she applied that same reasoning to people who we know little about, such as Tabitha and Anna. It’s sound conjecture to say that they must have been changed, but it’s still conjecture. That’s not a knock: what I don’t care for may be inspiring to another reader.
I also had mixed feelings about the examples from her own life. Her stories of wrestling with crippling depression and insecurity spoke to me; her stories of her son and in-laws didn’t. Again, others may have the opposite reaction.
The Bible study included at the end of the book is excellent. Women will be challenged to not only read God’s word, but to apply the principles to their emotions and daily lives. That alone is worth the price of the book.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a review on my blog.
Walsh’s candor about her own trust issues is endearing; she obviously understands many of the problems women face in following Christ whole-heartedly.
While the book is well-written, I ran into some things that troubled me. The choices of Biblical characters are usually sound; obviously, Abraham trusted God after encountering Him. However, Walsh took some creative liberties when she applied that same reasoning to people who we know little about, such as Tabitha and Anna. It’s sound conjecture to say that they must have been changed, but it’s still conjecture. That’s not a knock: what I don’t care for may be inspiring to another reader.
I also had mixed feelings about the examples from her own life. Her stories of wrestling with crippling depression and insecurity spoke to me; her stories of her son and in-laws didn’t. Again, others may have the opposite reaction.
The Bible study included at the end of the book is excellent. Women will be challenged to not only read God’s word, but to apply the principles to their emotions and daily lives. That alone is worth the price of the book.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a review on my blog.
January 17, 2013
Faith is a journey. And sometimes that journey is long and hard, sometimes it twists and turns and we lose our way. We begin to question God, to wonder if he's trustworthy. Often we may feel alone but this book shows that we aren’t.
In "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" by Sheila Walsh, the author shares her very personal account of her struggle with trusting God. Sheila tells stories of her battles with insecurity, doubt, a feeling of hopelessness and fear but also shares the wonder and beauty of her life once she it handed over to God. Not only does she share personal anecdotes but Sheila also weaves the story of ten individuals from the bible who trusted God and had their lives changed.
I sometimes struggle with non-fiction books because they can be dull and boring. This was NOT one of those books. Sheila has a writing style that feels more like a conversation with a friend than a lecture by a stranger. By the end of the book I was inspired to take a deeper look at my relationship with God, to realize that he is indeed trustworthy. The stories of Anna, Tabitha and Joseph, along with others, were weaved in beautifully with Sheila's. The bible study included was a wonderful addition to the book.
My copy of the book is filled with underlines and notes because I could so closely relate with what I was reading. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book not only to women who are struggling with their faith, but those whose relationship is strong. Sheila Walsh's book reinforces that "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God."
(Thomas Nelson has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book so that I may review it.)
In "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God" by Sheila Walsh, the author shares her very personal account of her struggle with trusting God. Sheila tells stories of her battles with insecurity, doubt, a feeling of hopelessness and fear but also shares the wonder and beauty of her life once she it handed over to God. Not only does she share personal anecdotes but Sheila also weaves the story of ten individuals from the bible who trusted God and had their lives changed.
I sometimes struggle with non-fiction books because they can be dull and boring. This was NOT one of those books. Sheila has a writing style that feels more like a conversation with a friend than a lecture by a stranger. By the end of the book I was inspired to take a deeper look at my relationship with God, to realize that he is indeed trustworthy. The stories of Anna, Tabitha and Joseph, along with others, were weaved in beautifully with Sheila's. The bible study included was a wonderful addition to the book.
My copy of the book is filled with underlines and notes because I could so closely relate with what I was reading. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book not only to women who are struggling with their faith, but those whose relationship is strong. Sheila Walsh's book reinforces that "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God."
(Thomas Nelson has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book so that I may review it.)
June 9, 2013
Scottish singer, Sheila Walsh, was one of my favourite recording artists back in the 80s and 90s. Her thoughtful lyrics combined with driving rhythms just thrummed through my soul. Then she went to America and became a co-host on The 700 Club with Pat Robertson. Her music changed, softened — and the lyrics, though still heart–felt, seemed to have become muted in their passion.
There was one cassette tape of hers I wore almost to death. It was a recording of a live concert somewhere in the UK. Even though I’ve listened to it hundreds of times, I can’t remember a single song on it. Nevertheless there is one part I do recall quite vividly. Sheila was speaking to the audience between sets, revealing that she’d had one ardent desire from a very early age: she wanted to be a prophet.
Every time I got to that part in the tape, I’d shake my head in disbelief. ‘You crazy, crazy woman,’ I’d think. ‘Don’t you know what that means? Why on earth would you want that?’
I didn’t why anyone would want to be called to such a life. And I certainly didn’t get how anyone could have failed to notice that so many prophets were broken beyond comprehension.
So it hasn’t entirely surprised me that Sheila’s book is all about her deep and crushing experience of brokenness, grief and darkness. To me, it goes hand in hand with being a genuine prophet. Her openness and vulnerability in describing her battle with trauma-related fear is a gift to the reader.
There was one cassette tape of hers I wore almost to death. It was a recording of a live concert somewhere in the UK. Even though I’ve listened to it hundreds of times, I can’t remember a single song on it. Nevertheless there is one part I do recall quite vividly. Sheila was speaking to the audience between sets, revealing that she’d had one ardent desire from a very early age: she wanted to be a prophet.
Every time I got to that part in the tape, I’d shake my head in disbelief. ‘You crazy, crazy woman,’ I’d think. ‘Don’t you know what that means? Why on earth would you want that?’
I didn’t why anyone would want to be called to such a life. And I certainly didn’t get how anyone could have failed to notice that so many prophets were broken beyond comprehension.
So it hasn’t entirely surprised me that Sheila’s book is all about her deep and crushing experience of brokenness, grief and darkness. To me, it goes hand in hand with being a genuine prophet. Her openness and vulnerability in describing her battle with trauma-related fear is a gift to the reader.
May 10, 2010
As Sheila Walsh left the hospital after being treated for clinical depression, she was ashamed that she needed a prescription to feel “normal”. She was also fearful about having to start all over again.
In her book Honestly, Sheila talks about being crippled with depression and how she wound up in the psychiatric ward. Learning to start over was not easy – neither was learning to trust again. Now, 15 years later – Sheila is back to tell the rest of her story. After leaving her position with CBN, as talk show host with Pat Robertson, Sheila had to learn how to face her fears and live all over again. As she sought God’s direction for her life, she felt led to attend Fuller Seminary in Southern California where she also met her husband, Barry.
In this book, Sheila shares what she has learned from this very painful journey and how it has helped her minister to other women who share the silent desperateness that Sheila has felt. This is a story of pain, perseverance and hope, told by a woman who had the courage to put herself in the public eye and publicly share a very controversial struggle. This book also includes a discussion guide and a bible study in the back.
October 2, 2010
Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this book.
I thought for a long time about why I was disappointed and why it took me an inordinate time to read. The main problem for me was there was nothing for me to do with the information given. She tells a lot of great stories, but I didn't really understand how they related to me and how to use the information in my own walk with God. Also, the writing was formulaic. Each chapter started with a personal story, followed by a thesis statement, followed by more stories, concluding with a lead-in paragraph to the next chapter. While this was comfortable, it was also slightly mechanical.
Would I recommend this book? Sure, it was biblically sound and she brought out some interesting points about the bible characters she covered in each chapter. I liked her use of different translations of the Bible, mostly using the Message which matched her storytelling format better than some other translations would have. It would be a good book for anyone who relishes in a good story. Apparently, I'm just not one of those people.
This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.
I thought for a long time about why I was disappointed and why it took me an inordinate time to read. The main problem for me was there was nothing for me to do with the information given. She tells a lot of great stories, but I didn't really understand how they related to me and how to use the information in my own walk with God. Also, the writing was formulaic. Each chapter started with a personal story, followed by a thesis statement, followed by more stories, concluding with a lead-in paragraph to the next chapter. While this was comfortable, it was also slightly mechanical.
Would I recommend this book? Sure, it was biblically sound and she brought out some interesting points about the bible characters she covered in each chapter. I liked her use of different translations of the Bible, mostly using the Message which matched her storytelling format better than some other translations would have. It would be a good book for anyone who relishes in a good story. Apparently, I'm just not one of those people.
This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 27, 2011Fear: a tool used by the Enemy to keep us from God's purpose for our lives. That fear often paralyzes us, keeping us from having the courage to believe God has it all under control. But as Sheila Walsh shares the story of her own struggles with fear and the journey of several Bible characters who also had to overcome fear to come to a place of faith, we find that beautiful things do indeed happen when we begin to trust God.
I am not usually one who enjoys non-fiction books, but as someone with chronic illness who struggles daily with the subject of trusting God, I was inexplicably drawn to this topic. And I soon discovered God had some amazing lessons in store as Sheila shared her heart through these pages. I was captivated by how closely I identified with both Sheila and the biblical figures as they wrestled with their fear of being too broken for God to use, fear of allowing others to see their failures, or fear that they may have missed their chance in life to do something for God. I feel that anyone who reads this amazing book will come away knowing that, like Sheila, "all I have to offer anyone else is a life surrendered to Christ so that his beauty and grace shine through my brokenness" (p.15).
I am not usually one who enjoys non-fiction books, but as someone with chronic illness who struggles daily with the subject of trusting God, I was inexplicably drawn to this topic. And I soon discovered God had some amazing lessons in store as Sheila shared her heart through these pages. I was captivated by how closely I identified with both Sheila and the biblical figures as they wrestled with their fear of being too broken for God to use, fear of allowing others to see their failures, or fear that they may have missed their chance in life to do something for God. I feel that anyone who reads this amazing book will come away knowing that, like Sheila, "all I have to offer anyone else is a life surrendered to Christ so that his beauty and grace shine through my brokenness" (p.15).
February 17, 2010
As a child, Sheila Walsh writes in her book, " Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God " ,how she loved to be pushed high on a swing by her mom. " I felt as if I were flying, airborne, without a care in the world. A neighbor boy showed her a bad side of the world.
Sheila has battled depression, spending a month in a hospital and much time afterwards learning how to trust God. This book describes her journey and how you, too, can enjoy a relationship with God that involves letting go of your fears and failures and leaning on Him. Trust is not an easy thing to do, but Sheila shows us from the Bible how it can be done.
Get a copy of ,"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", and find out what could be possible when you let go and just really trust Him enough to do what He needs to do.
"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", also includes a very in depth bible study in the back that is perfect for the 1st time, or tenth time read, or even if you feel led to share this via a small group study. Highly reccomended!
Sheila has battled depression, spending a month in a hospital and much time afterwards learning how to trust God. This book describes her journey and how you, too, can enjoy a relationship with God that involves letting go of your fears and failures and leaning on Him. Trust is not an easy thing to do, but Sheila shows us from the Bible how it can be done.
Get a copy of ,"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", and find out what could be possible when you let go and just really trust Him enough to do what He needs to do.
"Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", also includes a very in depth bible study in the back that is perfect for the 1st time, or tenth time read, or even if you feel led to share this via a small group study. Highly reccomended!
August 8, 2020
It took me three years to read this book because I felt like I was forcing myself through it. There are parts where the Holy Spirit worked through it, for sure, which is probably most important.
But some things I just couldn’t get past. Like, for example, the author’s big example of “trusting God blindly” was having to leave her golf course home to move to a new city... a city where she already had a business, friends, and committed to move only AFTER her son had already been accepted into a private school there. Which obviously they could afford, so it was a nonissue.
Furthermore, they were in a financial position where they could just go out and buy a house there that very day. Doesn’t sound risky at all to me, but maybe it’s just because I can’t relate.
I wish I could say her theology was enough to makeup for it, but at one point (at least in the kindle version, maybe with different editing than the printed version) she mixes up Rachel and Rebekah.
I hope I’m not being mean in this review. I’m just being honest! 😬🤦♀️
But some things I just couldn’t get past. Like, for example, the author’s big example of “trusting God blindly” was having to leave her golf course home to move to a new city... a city where she already had a business, friends, and committed to move only AFTER her son had already been accepted into a private school there. Which obviously they could afford, so it was a nonissue.
Furthermore, they were in a financial position where they could just go out and buy a house there that very day. Doesn’t sound risky at all to me, but maybe it’s just because I can’t relate.
I wish I could say her theology was enough to makeup for it, but at one point (at least in the kindle version, maybe with different editing than the printed version) she mixes up Rachel and Rebekah.
I hope I’m not being mean in this review. I’m just being honest! 😬🤦♀️
March 19, 2012
Not loving it so far (in chapter 3)... specifically, not finding this woman to be a very strong writer. But I'm reading this for a class, so maybe the discussion will bring out something that helps the book get up over its current 2-stars in my head... Gah. Life is too short to read bad books.
OK,five months later... finished the book, and indeed doing it with a class & discussions made all the difference. I would not have stuck with this one on my own, but it turned out to be worth the effort for me, primarily b/c of the class discussions that came out of it.
I also liked it because I'm recently returned to church and trying to (re)learn the Bible stories, and this book was perfect in helping me towards that goal. (From chapter 4 to the end, each chapter focuses on a single Bible story).
OK,five months later... finished the book, and indeed doing it with a class & discussions made all the difference. I would not have stuck with this one on my own, but it turned out to be worth the effort for me, primarily b/c of the class discussions that came out of it.
I also liked it because I'm recently returned to church and trying to (re)learn the Bible stories, and this book was perfect in helping me towards that goal. (From chapter 4 to the end, each chapter focuses on a single Bible story).
October 18, 2015
Sheila Walsh vulnerably and transparently shares her own journey in coming to trust God when everything and everyone else fails. She addresses shame, fear, and brokenness which can keep us from fully trusting God. And how the lies we believe often hinder us from launching the dreams God has for us.
In addition to sharing her own story, Walsh uses ten characters from the Bible whose lives were transformed when they chose to trust God in spite of overwhelming circumstances. The lessons of Tabitha, David, Paul, and others provide encouragement and hope for the reader.
In addition to sharing her own story, Walsh uses ten characters from the Bible whose lives were transformed when they chose to trust God in spite of overwhelming circumstances. The lessons of Tabitha, David, Paul, and others provide encouragement and hope for the reader.
January 5, 2025
Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh is an inspiring book that encourages women to deepen their trust in God. Through personal stories and insights from the lives of Biblical women, Walsh shares her struggles with fear, insecurity, and depression, illustrating how faith transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. The book is honest, relatable, and filled with practical spiritual insights, offering hope and encouragement to women seeking healing and a closer relationship with God. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the beauty of trusting His plan.
January 26, 2011
All in all this is a good book, brought to light difference biblical references that related to the story Sheila was telling. With that said I did learn a lot and took away the main message of just trusting everything to God. Many of the little personal experiences were not pertinent to my life (either in the past or currently) so on some levels I could not relate but congratulate Sheila for sharing herself so honestly and openly.
July 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Shelia’s use of scripture to remind and encourage to trust in God always. It’s a must read, ladies!
“I think I am more like Gideon than Tabitha. At certain moments in my life I’ve felt God calling me to places I didn’t want to go because others would do a better job than I would. At this point in my life, I’m finally getting it: there will always be those who can do things better but God chooses each of us to show what He can do.” -Shelia Walsh
“I think I am more like Gideon than Tabitha. At certain moments in my life I’ve felt God calling me to places I didn’t want to go because others would do a better job than I would. At this point in my life, I’m finally getting it: there will always be those who can do things better but God chooses each of us to show what He can do.” -Shelia Walsh
January 20, 2025
I took my time with When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh, and it was well worth it. As a Christian, I’m actively working on my patience and deepening my knowledge of the Bible, so I really appreciated how this book intertwined personal stories with scripture. My relationship with God is the most important part of my life, and this book served as a beautiful reminder of why that foundation matters. Sheila Walsh is an incredible author, and I look forward to exploring more of her works.
November 20, 2010
So many wonderful words of wisdom to take away from this book. Trust... how many times have we trusted something or someone or ourselves to find that it was this destructing force against our aim.But, God is faithful. Shelia shows us throughout scripture how God has showed us we can Trust him. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
January 14, 2011
Good read, some really great quotes from her like "God does not reveal our faults to shame us but to redeem us"
Bible study at the end is good, used it with three other women and was a very good conduit to exploring some issues about self and how we relate to God and others. Kind of a light read for me though.
Bible study at the end is good, used it with three other women and was a very good conduit to exploring some issues about self and how we relate to God and others. Kind of a light read for me though.
August 5, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. There were several things that stood out to me and I would have highlighted a lot had this not been a library book. One point that struck me was this quote: "I have never once seen a single sheep trying to be a good sheep. The many sheep I seen just go wherever thier shepherd takes them." May I do my best to live this way and to trust where my Savior takes me.
July 4, 2016
Spoke to my heart when the author shares about her struggles in life. How she had discover her own inadequacies and leaned on God to take the next small step.
Easy to read. Easy to follow.
Plenty of good references to the bible but yet not too theological. Author explained bible reference in a easy to understand manner.
Easy to read. Easy to follow.
Plenty of good references to the bible but yet not too theological. Author explained bible reference in a easy to understand manner.
July 24, 2018
An overall encouraging read. There are a lot of Bible stories told throughout that I've heard often and know well, but since we should never tire of hearing them and should take the time to find new lessons in them, I didn't find it tedious or uninteresting. Sheila is open about her struggles and it is encouraging to see the ways God has used her when she believed she was the most unusable.
April 21, 2010
I enjoyed this book and like the authors use of personal stories, as well as biblical examples of faith and trusting God. I look forward to the discussion questions and bible study included in this book and a chance at taking a deeper look at what it looks like for me to really trust God.
March 12, 2012
I heard Sheila speak recently and have to read her book. Just started. Wonderful study on following God's leading in your life, even through something as trying as clinical depression. I'm glad I read this
August 18, 2012
So far, it's the best thing I've read in quite awhile. This is a book worth reading again- just to remind me to trust, trust, trust. I say I do but often find worry creeping in. I need all the reminders I can get. Thank you, Sheila Walsh !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews