If God Is Love Don't Be A Jerk - Book Review

 

Title: If God Is Love Don't Be A Jerk; Finding a Faith That Makes Us Better Humans

Author: John Pavlovitz

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Publication Date: September 28, 2021

Length: 238 Pages

About the Author
John Pavlovitz is a blogger, author, and pastor based in North Carolina. His blog, Stuff That Needs to Be Said, recently surpassed one hundred million views.

We Have One Job; LOVE!
Loving God and neighbor and self is the elemental stuff of Christian prayers, songs, T-shirts, and bumper stickers...and we all know that.

However, there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. Love is the path that Jesus laid out for us. This book is about the walking: about imagining what love should or could look like if we take that mandate seriously. 

My Thoughts 
John Pavlovitz has written a powerful book that challenges the reader to really think about the conclusions we hold about the character of God. Our ability to be loving to ourselves and our neighbors is in many ways a product of these conclusions.

"One set of answers will yield a hopeful, compassionate benevolence that continually moves us to welcome others in and to live with an openhanded generosity...and another is likely to construct a scalding, brimstone-laden judgmentalism that leaves us predisposed to exclude and prone to finger wagging."

 The author believes we should be compassionate and empathetic to our fellow human beings. We are all jerks at times...setting out to hurt another person and succeeding. We should ask ourselves, "Am I trying to understand this person, or am I trying to defeat them?" Understanding is a key element in love.

We tend to see the world through the filters of our personal background, culture, and education. It is really difficult to be open-minded and understand the reasons for our preferences and prejudices. We live in our own little world and are mostly ignorant about how the rest of the world is living. This book encourages you to open your mind and your heart. It asks you to really SEE what is going on around you. Your religion is not what you believe, your religion is how you treat people.

Mr. Pavlovitz comes down hard on traditional evangelical churches and challenges them to be "The Church of Not Being Horrible." We have ONE job: LOVE!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose in Life - One Step Closer

 Title: One Step Closer; How a Life-Altering Accident Led Me To Everything I Almost Missed

Author: Ryan S. Atkins

Publisher: Binturong Books

Publication Date: November 19, 2020

Length: 214 Pages

Black and White Photographs

About the Author
After flipping multiple times across the highway left him paralyzed below the neck, Ryan Atkins began sharing hope and inspiration with the growing community on his blog "Flat on My Back". He has made it his mission to learn what it means to live with purpose no matter the circumstances.

Successful College Student Faces Life-Altering Car Accident
Ryan Atkins was on the path to graduate from the University of Cincinnati when a 2009 car accident left him paralyzed below the neck. This memoir gives the reader a glimpse into Ryan's life over the years since the accident. Mr. Atkins hoped and prayed for physical healing and regaining his ability to walk, but this was not to be. However, he gained insight and purpose for his life through his faith in Jesus Christ and the support of his friends and family. 

My Thoughts
I liked this book very much. I read it over a period of two days and found it difficult to put down. Ryan is a real overcomer. He had many difficult experiences in his treatment and recovery, but he never gave up. 

I love the way this accident brought a young lady who was Ryan's second-grade classmate back into his life. Their relationship grew over time and she played a vital role in Ryan's life. 

Mr. Atkins is an avid reader and believes the following words of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl helped him move forward in his life; "If you find a why, then you can bear any how."
If you find your purpose, then you can overcome any challenge that life throws at you.

This book made me smile. I am so happy for the many successes in this young man's life. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF FIVE

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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New Memoir by Christian Writer Philip Yancey

 

Title: Where the Light Fell

Author: Philip Yancey

Publisher: Convergent Books

Publication Date: October 21,2021

Length: 320 Pages

About the Author

Philip Yancey is the author of over thirty books. His books have garnered thirteen Gold Medalion Book awards from Christian publishers and booksellers. 

"I'm a pilgrim, still 'in recovery' from a bad church upbringing, searching for the possibility of a faith rooted in grace instead of fear. I feel overwhelming gratitude that I can make a living writing about the questions that interest me."

Suffering and Grace
This book describes the harsh and turbulent upbringing that Philip Yancey and his brother Marshall experienced at the hands of their widowed, impoverished mother. The mother was a Bible teacher at work and a child abuser at home. The boys were victims of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. They were indoctrinated with the extreme fundamentalist beliefs and culture of several Southern Baptist churches that they attended in Atlanta, Georgia. They were pressured into going to a fundamentalist Bible college after they graduated from high school.

The brothers both rebelled against their dysfunctional family life. Marshall rejected his Christian faith but Philip grew stronger in his faith. Philip found solace in reading, nature, and music. He explored questions about a God of love and grace and wrote about his feelings.

My Thoughts
This book gave me many things to think about. I am sure it was heart-wrenching for Mr. Yancey to go back and relive many of the difficult situations that he wrote about. His writing was brave and I believe he made an honest attempt to uncover the facts of his life as a child and young man.

The author pushed back hard against his mother and the Baptist Church. However, I would not call it "mother-bashing" or "church bashing". He was seeking the truth and I think he found it.

There's an old saying in Texas; "You got to rise above your raisin!". This is exactly what Philip Yancey has done. He became the shining light in his family. He forgave his mother and made many attempts to heal the relationship between his mother and brother. 

There are several incidents of animal abuse/neglect in this book that I found very disturbing.  These incidents involved a kitten, two dogs, and seventeen box turtles. The experiences with the kitten and dogs took place when Philip was very young and had no control over the situations. I think he loved those animals and was traumatized by their deaths/abandonment. I won't comment about the turtles except to say I wish I could unread the words that described their demise.

This is the first book by Philip Yancey that I have read. I am adding some of his books to my reading list. I think this book will mean more to me after I am more familiar with his work. I highly recommend this book to readers who are fans of this author and anyone who wants to expand and grow their faith in Jesus Christ.

MY RATING: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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The Radio Signal (Memoir) Depicts German Baptists in World War II

The Radio Signal

Author: Friedhelm Radandt

Publisher: Deep River Books

Publication Date: June 8, 2016

Length: 248 Pages










About the Author
Friedhelm Radandt served as a college president for a quarter of a century, first at Northwestern College in Iowa and then at The King's College in New York. After arriving from his native Germany as an immigrant, he earned graduate degrees at The University of Chicago and enjoyed a rewarding teaching career at that institution and at Lake Forest College.

The Tale of Two Families
Friedhelm and his wife, Elizabeth Job, share the childhood memories of their experiences in Poland and Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. During the war years, neither family knows of the other. Neither family knows that their paths will cross after the war and their families will be united forever.

The author shares some history of the Radandt and Job families. The families lived a pleasant, middle-class life in Germany and Poland in the years prior to the reign of Hitler and the beginning of World War II. They were both active in the German Baptist Church and community. The author believes the support that both families received from the church was an important aspect in their survival during the years they spent as refugees during the war. 

"Like his parents before him, Friedhelm began looking for a Baptist fellowship as soon as he arrived in Hamburg. This had, after all, been his family's saving grace: no matter where they settled they had never been truly alone, because they always established ties to the nearest Baptist community."

Friedhelm found fellowship and love at the Baptist Church in Hamburg. Elizabeth Job was a member of the youth group at the church and their friendship eventually grew to love and marriage.

My Thoughts
This is a riveting account from a child's point-of-view of the extreme conditions endured by ordinary families during World War II. These families faced the threats of arrest, hunger, homelessness, and death on a regular basis. Both families had to relocate several times and lost their homes and all of their material possessions. There were times when it seemed that Divine intervention was responsible for their safety and survival.

I belong to a Baptist Church and found the information about the German Baptists very interesting. In recent years, the German Baptists have come under criticism for not speaking out against Hitler and the terrible injustices and atrocities that occurred during the years the Nazi party was in power. In most cases, the Nazis allowed the Baptist Churches to remain open and continue to preach the Gospel within the church. So, the Baptists were happy to be left alone and did not want to make waves that would put their organization in jeopardy. 

After the war, the author did extensive research on the role of the Baptist Church and other Christian groups during the war. He immersed himself in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Ethics" and committed himself to teaching about the issue of resistance to Baptist young people's groups. He believed that dealing with the past would free the church to do God's work with integrity.

The memoir ends in 1960, when Friedhelm and Elizabeth immigrated to America, arriving in New York City aboard the SS United States. This is a book about war, but it is also about faith, hope and love. The author did an excellent job telling his story. Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free print copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for a fair review.

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Innocent Man Spends Three Decades on Alabama's Death Row

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (Oprah's Book Club Summer 2018 Selection)

Author: Anthony Ray Hinton and Lara Love Hardin

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: March 27, 2018

Length: 273 Pages


About the Author
Anthony Ray Hinton spent nearly thirty years on death row for crimes he didn't commit. Released in April 2015, Hinton now speaks widely on prison reform and the power of faith and forgiveness.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent
In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with armed robbery, kidnapping and the murders of two fast food workers in Alabama. He knew that it was a case of mistaken identity and believed that the truth would prove his innocence and ultimately set him free.

But with no money and an unfair system of justice for a poor black man in the South, Hinton was sentenced to death by electrocution.

This is a memoir of Mr. Hinton's experiences on death row and how he was eventually exonerated by the United States Supreme Court. The state of Alabama dropped all charges against him.

My Thoughts
This is the story of blatant and intentional racism and discrimination. Anthony Ray Hinton was charged with murder because of the color of his skin and his inability to hire a competent defense attorney.

"You know, I don't care whether you did or didn't do it. In fact, I believe that you didn't do it. But it doesn't matter. If you didn't do it, one of your brothers did. And you're going to take the rap." Lieutenant Acker of Birmingham Police Department

Mr. Hinton was found guilty of murder by a jury and given a life sentence in prison. A judge overruled the jury and changed the sentence to death by electrocution.

The author spent his first three years on death row in silence. He was a Christian man and could not understand how God could allow something like this to happen. His heart was full of anger and revenge toward the people who had sent an innocent man to death row.

The beautiful thing about this story is how the author eventually became a shining light of hope for the other prisoners on death row. Mr. Hinton started reaching out to other prisoners. He got permission to start a book club and prisoners were allowed to read and discuss books. He tried to keep a positive attitude despite many discouraging years of fighting for freedom in the legal system. 

"I forgive because not to forgive would only hurt me." Anthony Ray Hinton

The author credits his faith in God, his mother's unconditional love, the loyalty of his best friend and an excellent attorney from the Equal Justice Initiative for his eventual exoneration and release from death row.

Anthony Ray Hinton was the 152nd person exonerated from death row in the United States since 1973 and the sixth in the state of Alabama. He is now a poster boy for all that is broken in our criminal justice system. 

Our pledge of allegiance..."one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." That should be our vision for the future. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Kindle Books for Kids: Jump! by Julia Dweck

Jump

Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Brian Allen

Publisher: Sleepy Sheep Productions

Date: September 1, 2014

Grade Level: PK - 3


About the Author
Julia Dweck writes children's stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Julia's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read about and what makes them giggle.

"When You Believe In Yourself, You Can Jump With Your Eyes Open."
A timid Jack-In-The-Box toy was frightened and confused when he accidently jumped out of his box. He felt disgraced outside the safety of his familiar box.

As Jack was looking for his box, he met a new friend named Barker. Jack and Barker embarked on many "jumping" adventures. They jumped a skipping rope, they jumped on a trampoline and even jumped out of an airplane!

Jack learned that you must take a leap of faith if you are going to move out of your comfort zone and discover a whole new world.

My Thoughts
"Jump" is a charming and refreshing rhyming picture book for young children. It is published for the Amazon Kindle and the formatting is excellent for young readers. The full-screen horizontal illustrations are colorful, entertaining and humorous. The illustrator did an excellent job portraying the personalities of the characters in this story.

Jack shows children how much fun it can be to get out of everyday routines and take some risks. Life is full of adventures when new faces and places are explored and investigated.

Jack and Barker exhibit a poignant bonding and connection. They bring out the best in each other and have a ton of fun on their journey.

Ms. Dweck provides some valuable teaching tools at the end of the story. There are true facts about amazing jumps, scrambled words from the story and instructions on how to write a simple story using two characters, a setting, a plot and a solution.

"Jump" will entertain, inspire and educate young readers. This book could be used for independent reading or incorporated into a language arts class. It would also be a charming read-aloud selection for pre-school children.  Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Amazon Kindle Unlimited membership.

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Book Review: The Approval Fix by Joyce Meyer

The Approval Fix: How to Break Free from People Pleasing

Author: Joyce Meyer

Publisher: FaithWords

Publication Date: June 3, 2014

Length: 139 Pages



About The Author
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. Joyce has authored nearly 100 books, which have been translated into 100 languages.

Breaking Approval Addition
Many people struggle with "approval addiction." They want to feel accepted and approved by peers and family members. Mrs. Meyer presents proven principles, personal stories and Bible text that will help readers overcome their addiction to people pleasing.

This book is divided into the following four sections:

• Accepting Who You Are
• Breaking Approval Addiction
• Putting an End to People Pleasing
• Finding Freedom from Comparison, Rejection and Control

The author believes that we should be "God Pleasers" instead of "people pleasers." Mrs. Meyer has first-hand knowledge of what approval addiction can do to a person's spiritual, emotional and physical health. This book offers information and encouragement to all who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.

Favorite Quotations
"True freedom never comes until we fully realize that we don't need to struggle to get from others what God freely gives us: love, acceptance, approval, security, worth, and value."

"If you feel you have lost something or someone you cannot do without, you are wrong. The only thing or person in life we absolutely cannot do without is God."

"When you enter into a new relationship, be careful how you get started. What you allow in the beginning will come to be expected throughout your association with that person."

"The person who is most likely to be controlled is someone who has always been controlled, so being controlled is a habit, a way of life."

"We should do what we do for the love of God and others. Being motivated by fear instead of love or faith does not please God."

My Thoughts
I have read many of Joyce Meyer's books in the past. I have followed her ministry for over 15 years and have been blessed by her teachings and publications.

This book is briefer and more concise than many of her previous books. I like the way the author gets right to the heart of the matter with fewer stories and anecdotes.

This book provides life-changing information for all who desire a life of confidence, acceptance, love, peace, joy and strength.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

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Book Review: A Search For Purple Cows by Susan Call

A Search for Purple Cows: A True Story of Hope

Author:  Susan Call

Publisher:  Guideposts

Date:  October 1, 2013






About The Author
Susan Call is a speaker and author who enjoys sharing her insights from life's valley, offering hope and wisdom to her audiences. She holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College and a BA in Computer Science from Susquehanna University.

From Victim to Victor
As a young wife and mother, Susan Call found herself in a a cycle of abuse and betrayal. Her husband was handsome and charming but he also had a dark side. He was an alcoholic and controlled his wife with verbal and emotional abuse.  The last straw came when Susan discovered that her husband was having an affair with their former nanny.

God spoke to Susan's heart as she listened to a Christian radio station. As her faith strengthened, Susan had the courage to take her children and leave her abuser. This is the story of her journey of faith, courage and hope.

My Thoughts
Research shows that the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she is preparing to leave her abuser. This is a true story about how Susan Call was able to leave a very abusive marriage and start a new life with her children.

Ms. Call gives God the glory for guiding and protecting her during the difficult days of her separation and divorce. She describes how she feared for her life and the lives of her family members because of the threats that her husband made. 

It seemed like helpful people always showed up in Susan's life when she needed them the most.  She knew this was no coincidence. God protected her and had a good plan for her future.

Susan Call lived with her children as a single parent for several years.  She was able to work with her ex-husband so that the children would be able to visit him on a regular schedule. God provided a job that she could work from home and she eventually met her new husband through her work team. 

Susan described how she has forgiven her ex-husband and moved forward in her life. Susan is not a victim. She has found victory through her faith in Jesus Christ. 

This book will provide hope to other women who find themselves in an abusive relationship. It is a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace. Highly recommended!

My Rating:  5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary print copy of this book from B & B Media Group for an honest review.

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Book Review: Thrashing About With God by Mandy Steward

Thrashing About with God: Finding Faith on the Other Side of Everything

Author: Mandy Steward

Publisher: David C. Cook

Release Date: October 1, 2013




About The Author
Mandy Steward is a writer, speaker, and blogger in the midst of discovering her authentic Christian self. Her writing has appeared in Brio and Breakaway magazines and on her blog MessyCanvas.com. Her work reflects her life as a wife and mother of four and her passion for art. She lives with her family in Oklahoma City.

Tired of Doing the Christian Thing
Are you tired of pretending?

Are you tired of spitting out right answers for others when your own well has gone dry.

Are you tired of thinking the dreams you long to step into aren't holy enough to warrant action?

Are you tired of religiously giving and sacrificing and having nothing left to feed yourself?

Mandy Steward is a pastor's wife, mother of four young children and a talented artist. This is the story of her search for spiritual fulfillment and peace.

Ms. Steward struggles with the expectations that are placed on Christians by the church and society. She questions the beliefs that she was taught as a child. She copes with the guilt, doubt and fear she feels as she questions her faith and her own identity.

Mandy Steward shares her "messy life" and quest to balance her roles as a Christian, wife, mother and artist.

My Thoughts
Ms. Steward has written a heartfelt, thoughtful account of her spiritual and emotional journey over the past several years. She questions almost everything about her life. She comes to the realization that there is nothing wrong with questioning because it is the way a person grows.

It has been several months since I have read a "Christian book." I must warn you that this is not the average book written for Christian women. This book is brutally honest, unvarnished and "messy".  The author writes from her heart and expresses a very realistic view of her personal and family life.

I was very impressed by the patience and understanding that was shown by her husband and church family. This young woman is truly blessed to have a loving support system that will allow her to honestly examine her life and follow her dreams.

The good news is that questions lead to understanding and change. This book will inspire women to take a good look at their own situations and see if they are living the life "to the full" that Jesus promises in John 10:10.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Book Review: Impossible Odds by Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm

Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Authors: Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm with Anthony Flacco

Publisher: Atria Books

Date: May 14, 2013




About The Authors
Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm both worked in the humanitarian aid field in Somalia. They have recently relocated to the United States, where they are lecturing on their experiences while raising their son, August, born in October, 2012.

Mission: Impossible Rescue
Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm were humanitarian aid workers in Somalia. Jessica had a deep desire to help educate the African children. Erik worked to help coordinate humanitarian aid with authorities in Africa.

On October 25, 2011, Jessica and a colleague were kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom by a band of Somali pirates. For the next three months, Jessica was held outdoors in filthy conditions and kept on a starvation diet while her health steadily deteriorated.

After 93 days of negotiations, President Barack Obama ordered Navy SEAL Team Six to attempt a rescue mission. On January 25, 2012, a team of 24 SEALS attacked the heavily armed pirates. They killed all the pirates (nine were in the camp at the time of the rescue) with no harm to the hostages.

This is a story of courage, perseverance and faith.

My Thoughts
I first heard about this book when Jessica Buchanan was a guest on the Dr. Phil Show. I remember Dr. Phil saying to Jessica, "I read your book...it is very well written." I was touched by Jessica's story and decided this was a book worth reading.

Jessica was a dedicated teacher and was deeply concerned about the child soldiers in Africa. These children are often kidnapped, drugged and forced to kill their entire families so they will have no place to go home to. Jessica was doing the work she loved when she became a victim of the very child soldiers that she was trying to help.

This book provides a detailed account about what it is like to be a victim of cruel and savage kidnappers. It also shares all the behind-the-scenes events that were taking place with her family, her employer and the U.S. government.

Erik's experience was especially poignant and difficult because he felt a great deal of guilt for allowing Jessica to travel into a dangerous area of the country. He wanted to go out and attempt a rescue on his own. It was very difficult for him to be patient during this three month ordeal.

Jessica's memories about her rescue by SEAL Team Six were the highlight of the entire book. I had tears in my eyes when I read the first words that the SEAL rescuer said to Jessica;

"Jessica, this is the American military. We've come to take you home. You're safe."

This story had a happy ending. Thank you to President Barack Obama and all the government and military people involved.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to a movie.

My Rating: 5 Stars+++ Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Book Review: God, Hold Me While I Cry by Don Dilmore

GOD, HOLD ME WHILE I CRY: HOW GOD USED OTHERS TO BLESS ANNA'S LIFE

Author: Don Dilmore

Publisher: Authorhouse

Date: March 17, 2011



About The Author
Don Dilmore has authored seven books. Mr. Dilmore served in the Merchant Marines in World War II. He graduated from Franklin College where he edited the college newspaper. He then spent 37 years in the life insurance and real estate business. After doing lay-preaching for many years, Mr. Dilmore was ordained as a pastor at age 65. He and his wife live in Montgomery, Texas.

Anna's Story

"This book is dedicated to all those who have suffered hardship, hoping that after you read Anna's story, you will know, without a doubt that if we will ask God to come into our lives, anything is possible. His love will overcome any handicap, hardship or disappointment". 

Mr. Don Dilmore tells how God used many people to help Anna Lybarger through one desperate situation after another as she was raised in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Anna married an American GI and moved to the United States but discovered that her husband had a serious drinking problem. She took her children and divorced her husband but was soon involved in another abusive relationship.

Anna eventually met and married Herschel Lybarger. He was a good man and provided a stable home for Anna and her children. Anna and Herschel had a son who was brain-damaged and suffered serious mental and physical challenges. Anna trusted God to help them conquer adversity and hardship.

Anna's story is about hope and faith in God. God was always with her. He answered her prayers and brought peace and love into her life.

My Thoughts
I met Mr. Dilmore at a Christmas Market at my church. I enjoyed visiting with him and purchased this book from him. I picked up this book last week and read the entire volume in a couple of days.

I found Anna's story very interesting and inspiring. My family came to the United States from Germany in the early 1900s so I was fascinated with the details about her life in Germany.

I enjoyed reading about a woman who lives in a neighboring town and learning some local history along the way. Mrs. Lybarger's Christian testimony left a deep impression on me.

This story is about faith, hope and love. If you are going through a difficult time, this book will encourage and inspire you.  Mr. Dilmore did a good job sharing this story.

My Rating: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

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Book Review: Take The Stairs by Rory Vaden

Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success

Author: Rory Vaden

Publisher: Perigee Trade

Date: February 7, 2012








About The Author
Rory Vaden is a self-discipline strategist, co-founder of the international training company - Southwestern Consulting, and a New York Times bestselling author.

7 Steps To Achieving True Success
Rory Vaden believes we live in an "escalator world"... one that is filled with shortcuts, quick fixes and distractions that make it all too easy to procrastinate, compromise and fall into mediocrity. "Take The Stairs" is about self-discipline and doing things you don't want to do in the short term to bring success in the long term.

Mr Vaden shares seven steps to achieving true success in this book. These steps are;

• Sacrifice
• Commitment
• Focus
• Integrity
• Schedule
• Faith
• Action

The author uses case studies and experiences from his own life to explain how these seven steps can help you develop the courage, character and determination to succeed in anything you attempt.

My Thoughts
Mr. Vaden states in the Introduction of this book that there is a great chance that you won't finish reading the book. According to one major publisher, 95% of all books are never completely read. This same publisher states that 70% of all books that are purchased are never even opened!

I read the book from cover-to-cover and I am glad I did. This book does a good job explaining why the words "sacrifice" and "commitment" are not popular topics in our society today.

The book offers inspiring case studies about people who have found success by "doing things they don't want to do." The theme of self-discipline is repeated over and over in the text.

I love the analogy of the escalator and the stairs. I will think about this book each time I see an escalator crowded with people getting to their destination in the easiest and fastest way possible.

My very favorite part of the book is the chapter on commitment. Mr. Vaden shares the following thoughts on the subject of decision making and commitment;

"There will never be a perfect time, there will never be a perfect person, there will never be a perfect situation to start doing the things we need to get us where we want to go. We need to stop spending so much of our time trying to make the right decisions and instead start spending our time making decisions and then making them right".

This book will inspire and motivate you to take action. Recommended to all who have a dream and want to know how to make it come true.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I checked-out the print edition of this book from my local public library. The book is available in print and Kindle versions on Amazon.

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Book Review: Notes to Aspiring Writers; Your Dream, God's Plan

Notes to Aspiring Writers: Your Dream, God's Plan

Author: Brooke McGlothlin

Published: Brooke McGlothlin Media (July 15, 2011) ~ 34 pages 



About The Author
Brooke McGlothlin, MA, is the author of the best-selling ebook "Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most", creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons Challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society.

What Is God's Plan For My Life?
Brooke McGlothlin dreamed of writing a book her entire life. This ebook is a collection of five life lessons she learned as she pursued her dream of being a published author.

The author told of her early blogging experiences of writing and working hard to get an audience to read and comment on her posts. She learned that it is wiser to write for an audience of one...God. She has dedicated every aspect of her writing to Him and seeks guidance in Bible study and prayer.

Would it be a huge step of faith for you to stop striving in your writing career, and consider letting God bring the right opportunities to you instead?

The bottom line is that God has lifted up some and not others. More important than asking "why" when faced with disappointment is to humbly seek God's glory. Our life plans are less about us, and more about how He receives the greatest glory.


My Thoughts
Ms. McGlothlin opened her heart and wrote about the lessons she learned during her writing journey. These lessons have drawn her nearer to God and strengthened her Christian faith.

This ebook challenged me to seek God's will and to write for an audience of ONE. There is no formula for success that will work for all writers. This book will encourage you to follow your heart and discover your true life's purpose.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this book with my own funds on Amazon.Com.

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The Promises Of God

Dr.James MacDonald, senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has written a timely and inspirational book based on five life-changing promises that God has given His people.  In Always True: God's 5 Promises for When Life is Hard, Pastor MacDonald teaches about the following promises that God has given to all believers;
(1)  God is ALWAYS with ME.  I will not fear.
(2)  God is ALWAYS in CONTROL.  I will not doubt.
(3)  God is ALWAYS GOOD. I will not despair.
(4)  God is ALWAYS WATCHING.  I will not falter.
(5)  God is ALWAYS VICTORIOUS.  I will not fail.
Dr. MacDonald does a excellent job supporting these statements with Scripture from the Bible.  He explains exactly what the words of the Bible readings mean, and then he provides examples from everyday life to give us understanding and insight.  The author uses many examples from his own life to illustrate how he has come to believe that these promises are true and that they are available to all believers.  He states that God KEEPS His promises and these promises are activated by faith in Jesus Christ.
This book was a real blessing to me.  It reminded me that God is in conrol and I don't need to despair.  I found Dr. MacDonald's discussion on the subject of "dispair" very helpful.  It was almost like he was speaking directly to me.
I recommend this book for individual or small group Bible study.  It would be appropriate to read the entire book and then go back and really study and meditate on each lesson. 
Dr. MacDonald is a Bible teacher and radio speaker at Walk In The Word Ministries.  The Walk In The Word Fan Page on Facebook has thousands of followers.  He also has a YouTube Channel where you can view videos.
I read the Kindle  version of this book.  I can lend this book to one Kindle user for a period of two weeks.  If you would like to borrow this book, please leave a comment on this blog post and include your email address.  If you prefer, you can contact me directly at fullerjanette@gmail.com.  I will lend the book to the first person who requests it.

Brighten The Corner Where You Are

In 1913, gospel meetings were popular, spurring lagging faith with song, personal testimony, and shared experiences.  Ina Duley Ogden's wish as a young woman was to join the Chautauqua circuit as an evangelist and bring to thousands her strongly felt message of love and Christian belief.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Ogdon's father was an invalid who required constant care and attention.  Ina abandoned her dreams and decided to spend her life caring for her father.  She poured her heart into writing songs that would express her Christian faith.  When she wrote the lines, "To the many duties ever near you now be true," she could well have been thinking of dishwashing, sweeping and cleaning, which to her became work God had assigned her. 
Homer Rodeheaver, a famous evangelist, selected "Brighten The Corner Where You Are" as his theme song.  Thus, though she never reached the attention of thousands of people as a Chautauqua speaker, her message has come to millions through music.

Brighten The Corner Where You Are

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar,

To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are.

REFRAIN

Brighten the corner where you are!

Brighten the corner where you are!

Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;

Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,

Let not narrow self your way debar;

Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,

 Here reflect the bright and morning star;

Even from your humble hand the bread of life may feed,

Brighten the corner where you are.



Limping

This has not been a very good day for me.  This morning I was eating breakfast and walked over to the counter to get some coffee.  I accidently stubbed my little toe on a bar stool that was in front of the cabinets.  I felt an intense sharp pain but I thought it would soon be better.  I was so wrong about it being better.
I got dressed and limped to church.  The shoes that I wore to church were not good for a sore toe.  My foot was throbbing and I had to walk with my weight on the inside of my foot.
When I got home from church, I looked at my toe and it was swollen and badly bruised.  I put on my tennis shoes and was able to walk a little better.  Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have had a broken bone in my right foot/leg.  I have had seven broken bones in my right foot/leg.  If my toe is broken, that would make eight.  "How Do You Mend A Broken Leg (Femur)" is my story about how I broke my femur in 2007. 
So today my motto was...Live, Love, Laugh and Limp.  I am hopeful that I will feel much better tomorrow.  I give God the glory for healing me in the past and have faith that I will be healed again.

Daystar Joni Lamb Christian Book Review

Surrender All: Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power, and Purpose, by Joni Lamb, is an exciting Christian book that teaches readers how to surrender every aspect of life to God.

The book instructs readers to surrender their marriage, children, career, health and daily life to Jesus Christ. Joni uses examples of surrender from her own personal life. She tells about how she was raised in a Christian home but became involved with a young man who did not make Christian values a priority in his life. She eventually met and married a young Christian evangelist named Marcus Lamb. Joni tells how she and Marcus trusted God to provide resources to build several Christian television networks. They launched the Daystar television network in 1997.

Joni Lamb has interviewed many guests on her television program. She uses many true strories about people she has met and befriended in her book. These stories illustrate how people have overcome great obstacles and hardships by surrendering their difficult situations to Jesus Christ. I found these stories very uplifting and inspirational.

The last chapter in this book is entitled, "Surrender That Saved The World." Joni writes about how Jesus Christ surrendered his personal will to the will of his Father God when he went to the cross. She tells about a trip to Israel that she made with her family and the Daystar team. This last chapter of the book really touched my heart and made me realize how much God can do when I just surrender to Him.

As a Christian woman, I found this book very inspiring and encouraging. The book is fresh and the content is original. This book is a real treasure!