Freely and Lightly: God’s Gracious Invitation to a Life of Quiet Confidence

Finally, a nonfiction book I could actually finish. I always only make it halfway through Christian non-fiction, or self-helpy type books. No matter how much they draw me in with their titles, or covers, or subject matter, they just fizzle out for me. I have a stack on my nightstand, collecting dust waiting to be finished.But this book. This book is going on display with all my other favorite books on the shelf, well...maybe even the coffee table!Emily doesn't waste any words making her point and sharing her story. It is obvious that she very thoughtfully included what she needed to and nothing that she didn't. Beautiful illustrations and hand-lettered verses are peppered throughout, along with personal stories that make the perfect analogies for Jesus' invitation to live a life of grace.Freely and Lightly reads like a conversation with a friend--a very convicting conversation with a very wise friend.

I received an advanced copy of this book and decided to read it in small sections each morning. What a wonderful way to start my day! I'm so sad it had to end. To summarize my experience, I'd say this:A timely does of truth, wrapped in grace! Freely and Lightly has the power to usher readers into the healing process that can only take place at the feet of Jesus. It is there we remember, or perhaps discover for the first time, that we are His Beloved and there is true freedom in knowing Him.Through Emily's honesty and transparency (and let's not forget her beautiful presentation), I found myself nodding in agreement, pausing to ponder the real-life lessons, and tearing up as her stories resonated deep in my heart. This is not your typical "self-help" book...there is an ease to reading that subtly invites you into real rest...and that's the whole point!

Have you ever found yourself striving for more and more, wondering if you look successful enough, questioning whether you are accepted only because of what you do, doubting that you really measure up. Emily Lex’s book, Freely and Lightly, tells of her journey from questions and doubts towards quiet confidence and soulful rest. As I read, it felt like a comfortable conversation with a good friend. This book was a delight to read and at the same time communicated deep life changing messages. Meaningful words, delightful artwork and encouraging scriptures make a beautiful book you will want to read, reread and share with others.In complete transparency, I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher and this review is my honest opinion. I quickly purchased a copy, wanting to make sure I have this book on my own shelves. I will certainly read this book more than once.

THIS BOOK!!! This is the most beautiful book I’ve read in a long time. It’s not just visually beautiful, filled with Emily’s lovely watercolor illustrations, but it contains an even more beautiful message. This book is the reminder we all need to accept Jesus’ invitation to live “freely and lightly”. Emily’s takes us on a journey from insecurity to confidence, from hustle to rest, from struggle to surrender, from superficial to significant, from exhausted to restored. It’s a hopeful journey and one that we can all find a bit of ourselves in. I couldn’t help but picture Emily as a big sister, cheering me on with her stories and lessons in faith. It was a delightful read and one that I will surely gift to many others. Don’t hesitate to pick up this simple, beautiful reminder of God’s gracious invitation to all.

Oh, this book! It is absolutely lovely in every single way, from the beautifully watercolored illustrations to the author's deep vulnerability - a challenge to live "freely and lightly". It is the kind of book you will gift your friends and beg your Bible study to read. Over and over I felt as if she were telling the story of my heart, my struggles, my insecurities, and wrapping it all together with God's graciousness and love. To say that my mind has been set in a new direction is an understatement - it's going to take some work, but the author has unintentionally challenged me to evaluate the life I am trying to live and pass it through the lens of who our Creator designed me to be. This is a book I will definitely take time to read again... this time a bit closer, taking time to ponder her thoughts and study the scriptures that impacted her own journey and transformation. Freely and Lightly is without a doubt a lovely place to dwell.

We all could use a chance to exhale, to be still, and remember God's "unforced rhythms of grace" and His desire for us to live Freely and Lightly. This will quickly become your favorite new coffee table illustrative memoir. Emily's whimsical watercolor paintings, beautifully penned scriptures, and refreshingly raw, authentic stories from her life will refresh you on a soul level. Freely and Lightly gently leads you to consider again how God sees you, how perfectly you are designed, and how you bring Him delight as you twirl with quiet confidence. I highly recommend this delightful book.

Emily’s gentle and inspiring words remind us to keep faith and trust in God. Her book for me was a reaffirmation of what I’ve already known about God, but that I ended up neglecting because of struggles in life. It was like a renewing of faith. I really liked the way she talks with us and reaffirms that God is here to lighten up our burden and make our lives easier, we just need to trust in Him. I also enjoyed her personal stories and anecdotes.I’ve decided to read this book because I’ve been following Emily for while and everything started with her course in watercolor that I was doing with my daughter. I’ve always had the desire to try watercolor, since my teenage years, when I’ve learned other types of arts and crafts, but never got a chance with watercolor. Her sketches and paintings were an inspiration for me to try watercolor and I simply fell in love with it.When she announced her book about her journey of identity and freedom by accepting Jesus' way of life and the book would contain some of her watercolors, I've really got excited to get my hands on a copy. The illustrations are a work of art themselves, I loved all of them.I would recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a renewing of faith in God and to those who don’t know Him yet. The book is also perfect as a coffee table book to flip through the pages and enjoy the beautiful illustrations. Thank you Emily for your honest personal account.I have received an advanced PDF copy of the book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion about it. Yesterday I've received my hardcover copy and It's gorgeous. Every detail, illustration, and quality of materials are beautiful.