What People Are Saying About A Beautiful Life
What a powerful reminder of what really mattersloving God and loving people! Kerry Clarensau reminds us that A Beautiful Life is the result of allowing the example of Christ to overflow in our hearts so that it impacts every person we meet. The discussion questions are ideal for small groups, and the message of this book is a must for every woman who longs to leave a legacy that outlasts her life.
CAROL KENT
Speaker and Author, Unquenchable: Grow a Wildfire Faith that Will Endure Anything
I love this book! Through powerful Scriptures and profound personal stories we glimpse the personal life of the author and her close friendships. She eloquently reminds us how to love others with style and grace. Oftentimes we dont consider love as a powerful catalyst. This book challenges us to use this catalyst to fight battles, set boundaries, forgive those who have hurt us, and be a better friend in all our relationships. Love is a choice we make; an action word as Kerry teaches us. When we love like Jesus, through selflessness, we will wake up one day and be able to say we too have a beautiful life. Thank you, Kerry, for writing this book with excellence. Every person who is in relationships of any kind will be better for it.
SHEILA HARPER
Founder and CEO of SaveOne (an international abortion recovery ministry)
www.saveone.org
Kerry Clarensau has done it again. This gifted leader has written yet another great book that is sure to inspire, encourage, and challenge every person who reads it! In a world tainted with ugliness, most of us long for more beauty in our lives. A Beautiful Life: Discovering the Freedom of Selfless Love takes us back to Gods original design for how life can, and should, be lived. Kerry uses relatable personal stories woven together with biblical truths to show us that beauty in life isnt something we acquire from having pretty things around us or having perfect circumstances. Instead, a truly beautiful life comes from having Gods love within us and pouring it out freely to those around us in the context of healthy, selfless relationships. Come to think of it, that last sentence describes my friend, Kerry, to a beautiful T. If you long for a life of lasting beauty and freedom that makes a difference to those around you, this book is for you!
JODI DETRICK, DMIN
Author, The Jesus-Hearted Woman: 10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring & Endearing Influence
www.jesusheartedwoman.com
www.jodidetrick.com
ICF Certified Coach, www.significantlifecoaching.com
If you have relationships, this book is for you! Kerry Clarensau gives an outstanding relationship blueprint from the pages of Gods Word. When we allow Gods love to flow through our lives, broken relationships are restored and freedom is found! Im thrilled that youve chosen to pick up this book. As you engage this journey, Im certain you will walk away with new hope, greater faith, and the courage to dream again!
RUTH E. PULEO
Director, Women of Purpose
www.penndelwomenofpurpose.org
Across this planet women are searching for role models and relationships that are genuine and life-giving. They are looking for women who have an unwavering passion and commitment to pursue their purpose and are willing to share their life journey to strengthen and encourage those around them. Kerry Clarensau is such a friend and role model to me. As a wife, mom, and leader (in ministry), she continually inspires and challenges me and thousands of others to rise up and be all God has called and created us to be. Through her girlfriend-next-door style, her personal stories, and her incredible ability to teach Gods Word, I promise she will captivate your attention. But, most importantly, the words in this book will motivate you to be more like Jesus and will compel you to love the people in your world just as He does!
DEBBIE LINDELL
James River Church, Lead Pastor, James River Women and Designed for Life Director
www.jamesriverchurch.org
www.designedsisterhood.org
Excellent authors weave deep psychological truths with simplicity and clarity that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. Kerry Clarensau is one such author. In A Beautiful Life, Kerry magnificently weaves scriptural truths with healthy psychological principles in a manner that is delightful to read, illuminating, and life-changing. Kerrys latest book is a must read for those who desire more love, joy, and richer relationships!
DR. MELODY D. PALM
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of Counseling & Psychology, Assemblies of God
Theological Seminary
This book will change the way you think about love. You may think you are a loving person, you may feel youve tried to love others well. It may seem like others simply arent returning the favor. But Kerrys message, spoken from a place of wisdom and grace, will open your eyes and your heart to what youve been missing all along. As you learn to practice real, sacrificial, restorative love, your friendships will improve, your relationship with God will improve, your marriage will improve, and youll feel more filled and covered with love than youve ever felt before.
ALLISON VESTERFELT
Author, Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage
A Beautiful Life
DISCOVERING THE FREEDOM OF SELFLESS LOVE
Kerry Clarensau
Copyright 2014 by Kerry Clarensau
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Published by Influence Resources
1445 N. Boonville Ave.
Springfield, Missouri 65802
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher
except in the case of brief quotations used in articles and reviews.
Cover illustrations by Angela Moody and Shar Mavrich. 2014
The General Council of the Assemblies of God. All rights reserved.
Cover design by Patti Long
Interior formatting by Prodigy Pixel
Unless otherwise specified, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible,
New International Version NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.
The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered
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Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from The Message,
copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001,
2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers,
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the English Standard
Version. 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
NOTE: Some of the names in this book, as well as some identifying details,
have been changed to protect the anonymity of the people involved.