My Review of when God Makes Lemonade - True Stories that Amaze & Encourage

I truly enjoyed reading this book.

It is filled with a vast collection of short, concise stories that speak of the mercy and grace of God in some of the most unusual, inspiring, and trying situations and circumstances.

I especially enjoy knowing that all of these are true stories.  I tend to be more inspired by Non fiction than by fiction.  It truly helps to grow my faith from that of a mustard seed into that of a mustard plant.

I enjoyed the fact that the stories were short and the chapters easy to read.  I could easily get through four or five stories while riding on the bus and not have to worry about having to stop reading in the middle of a chapter and having to, perhaps, start reading over again because I forgot where I had left off.

Some of the stories made me laugh, others made me cry, but all of the stories gave me hope and made me realize that, even on my lowest days, there can be silver lining found around the clouds in my world, giving credence to the old adage, there is always someone in this world who is worse off than you are.

Whether you want to reminisce with an elderly person about days gone by, or whether you want to see the world through the eyes of an innocent young child, there's something for everyone amongst the pages of this book.  It's a book that I'm sure I will return to and read again and again.

Since this book is not actually a 'story' per se, there is no particular order in which the pages have to be read.  I read the book from cover to cover but not from one chapter to the next. I looked at the titles of each chapter and chose whichever one or few that suited me for that day or for that moment.

I enjoyed reading the accounts in this book and would recommend it to people who like non fiction, true life stories, and inspiration.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson

I have already read some of the 'Circle' books by Mark Batterson and enjoyed them because they issued challenges to the reader.

When I saw this book, I was of the assumption that it would be another 'challenge issuing' book.  It was not. It was formatted more in the style of a devotional.

I enjoy Mark Batterson's books for the most part though I'm not sure how I feel about this one.  I appreciated reading the excerpts from Mr. Batterson's other book (one of them), The Circle Maker as it served as a refresher for material of his that I had already read.

Although more of a devotional than an actual challenge, I enjoyed reading this book.  The chapters were very short and readable.  I could relate to almost everything written on the pages and didn't feel lost and/or confused as I sometimes will when dealing with scripture.  I cheated in a way because I did not take 40 days to read one chapter per day.

I rate this book as fairly high in terms of a thinking style of book and would recommend it for people who may not have the time to read long chapters of books during their busy days.  These short chapters fit easily in to the daily schedule and are not at all overwhelming.

If you enjoy a good Devotional, this would be a good book for you.  If you are, however, looking for more of a challenge, then this book might not be for you.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of Grace - by Max Lucado

I LOVE Max Lucado so my review will likely be a bit biased.

Grace was a very easy read and, as usual, Max's words pierced right through to my heart.  I've been a Christian for 20 years and still haven't captured the meaning and / or the significance of GRACE.

It's not just about God's grace towards us.  It's about our grace towards others.  It's about forgiving AND forgetting.  It's about giving to someone what they don't deserve and ACCEPTING God's free gift of grace that He gives to us.

Grace, unfortunately, is thrown around as somewhat of a 'catch' word in the Christian world today.  Most of us, myself included, aren't getting it.  We aren't grasping the true meaning of the word 'grace'.

Jesus.. the Son of God.. the Creator of the universe.. the ONE so worthy of our praise and adoration stooped down.  He came down to the level of sinners to show them forgiveness.. to show them understanding.. to heal them... to show us grace.

I am inspired by this book to live my life differently... to breathe in God's grace like the oxygen I need to survive.  I am inspired to find the positive in everything and the mercy of God in the smallest of gestures.

I truly enjoyed this book.  Again, I'm somewhat biased as I LOVE anything written by Max Lucado.  He has a gift from God and writes with words that pierce right through to our souls.

I will read this book again and again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of Fully Alive by Ken Davis

Admittedly, I didn't enjoy reading this book as I thought I would.

While I immensely enjoy non-fiction, real life, personal accounts of life, etc., I found that the author focused a bit too much on his weight loss in the book.  Maybe I'm just biased because I have so much weight to lose.

Some of the stories he told were heart warming.  I also enjoyed finding some humor in almost every chapter. I feel, for me, some of the experiences that Mr. Davis talks about in his book, for me, personally, feel unattainable.

I enjoy Mr. Davis' sense of humor and, even more so, the demonstration of the love that he has for his family.  It made me long for a healthy, Godly, Father/Daughter relationship with my own father and, admittedly, made me envious of some of the blessings that Mr. Davis has encouraged in his life.

Albeit a little bit disappointing, I did enjoy this book as Mr. Davis has a way of speaking to the human heart and not just to the human head.  My spirit needed touching and this book definitely did that.  The 'real life' stories make God's blessings seem more tangible and closer to us than we may imagine.  They gave me glimmers of hope through some recent dark times.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of One Big Thing - Phil Cooke

I don't know how many aptitude tests I've paid to take.. how many Guidance Counselors I've sat down and brainstormed with.  I've written endless pros and cons lists... endless 'to do' lists... and done many years of soul searching... and yet... here I find myself at a fairly advanced age (an age where most people should at least be THINKING about retirement) and STILL I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.


I've had friends and family tell me how much potential I have and how many gifts God has blessed me with and yet.... I can't find my passion.  That one 'thing' that drives me.  The thing that I would do and enjoy doing.

Phil Cooke's book "One Big Thing" is clear and concise.  It's not a corner cutting book.   It's not a book that will tell you what job you're meant to do.. but it will help you search inside yourself and discover your destiny for yourself.

It's a book that sheds a light and takes an honest look at who we are, what our passion is and what we were MEANT to do.  You'll discover the difference between your dreams and your destiny.

I know.. believe me.. after many years of praying for God's vision of my life.. God doesn't respond to you with an audible voice.  Sometimes it's merely a whisper.. or a nudge... a tip or a hint from a friend.  A job listing in the local newspaper that, at any other time, wouldn't have even caught your attention.

I chose to review this book because I'm tired of taking jobs just because I have to pay bills and get by.  I'm tired of not having a career.  Tired of doing work that I don't truly enjoy and have a passion for.

I enjoyed this book.  It wasn't complicated.  Every chapter was thought-provoking and made me re-think my perception about a lot of things in my life.. many of the choices that I've made and the reasons behind me making those decisions.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up but I can honestly say that after reading this book, my vision is a lot clearer.

It's time to slow down and do your own thinking again.  Stop counting on computers... friends... even God to do the work for you.  Discover your passion.  You have one.. or maybe even more than one.  This book will help you find your passion, hone in on and it use it to pursue your dreams and, finally, be happy with what you're doing and who you are.

Finally... a book with balance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of By Faith, Not By Sight - Scott MacIntyre

My apologies.  I haven't blogged or reviewed in a while.  I've been down with a sore back for a few months.

I really enjoyed this book.  It impacted me deeply.

It seemed, in the beginning of the book, like Scott was getting sucker punched by life at every single turn.  Things happened to him that would bring a giant to his knees but Scott soldiered on and he did it with faith.  He did it with his head held high.

This young man has scaled emotional mountains that I could only stand in front of, mouth agape, probably in complete despair.  Even with several health issues and no eyesight, Scott graduated from school and became a recording artist.  I remember watching American Idol when Scott was competing for the title.  I couldn't tell that he was blind by looking at him. Knowing that only served to make my goose bumps bigger.

Scott has a passion that runs deeper than someone who is not visually impaired could not even fathom.  I felt ill at ease realizing how many mole hills in my own life that I had turned into mountains.  Insignificant little problems... that could easily have been overcome.  I felt ashamed knowing that rather than using my road blocks as stepping stones like Scott did, I was using them as walls.. to block my way and having several pity parties along the way.

Scott's story is honest and raw.  I could practically hear his heart beating as he stood on stage in front of the American Idol judges.  The way his story is written draws you right inside.  It's as though you're standing beside him living life with him the whole way through.

This young man is an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with.  I will think of him and his journey whenever I find myself getting down in the mouth over something insignificant.  I admire his strength.  I admire his character and I enjoyed taking his journey with him.

Despite the darkness, despite health problems, despite rejection ---- Scott MacIntyre found his voice, shared it with the world and never stopped singing.

If you're facing trials.  If you're in the midst of them right now.  If your valley seems dark and unending, I suggest that you read this book.  It will help you to find a strength deep within you.  It will help you to find a faith you never knew you had.  It will help you walk with your head held higher and be thankful that we have such a faithful, merciful God.  At the end of the day, it may even make your mountains look more like mole hills.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of Great Day Every Day Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose By Max Lucado

Admittedly, I am a bit biased as I LOVE Max Lucado's work. His writing style captures the emotions of the moment. It's as though you know exactly where he was and what he was feeling when he wrote a chapter of his book.

His words, like a soft sword, cut through to the core of my heart ever single time.

This book speaks of the futility of worry and anxiety and the absolute beauty of trusting God. It's about turning any day in to a good day, no matter how it started.. about finding something good in something ugly and/or painful.

As usual, his book is interspersed with a sense of humor that is unique to Max. I had no choice but to laugh at myself and the absolute senselessness of wasted emotions when all I need to do is trust my Creator. I know I will read this book many more times and use the tools provided within its pages in order to turn my weed days in to garden days.

I hope all who read this book find it as big a blessing as I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of I Am A Follower - the way, truth and life of following Jesus by Leonard Sweet

This book was provided to me free of charge through the website Booksneeze.com.

This is the first book of Leonard Sweet's that I have read. I'm somewhat of a creature of habit and tend to stick to material by the same authors but I'm glad I broke out of my comfort zone.

Since becoming a Christian in 1992, it's always been important for me to 'get ahead' and 'reach down to others'.. leading them to Christ. In honesty, Jesus became my sidekick. I wasn't His disciple. I treated Him as somewhat of a santa claus, hooking up when I wanted or needed something or in times and situations of great desperation.

I Am a Follower opened my eyes to the importance of 'following' as opposed to leading. It brings clarity to the part in the Bible where Jesus asks His disciples to pick up their crosses and FOLLOW Him. This book is well written and easy to understand. I find that it would be best suited for a Pastor or another 'leader' in a church but I'm glad I read the book.

I will likely read more books by this author in the future.

Here's to letting go of the reins and following.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My review of Healing Is A Choice by Stephen Arterburn

I have to admit that when I first saw the title of this book, I was somewhat cynical. I mean.. who DOESN'T want to heal, right? Although I started reading with a doubtful attitude, the more I read, the more I saw myself amongst the pages. I learned about myself and some destructive habits that I've picked up and practiced for many years; some without even being aware. I learned about how God wants me to be free and how it's alright to ask for help because asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of willingness.

This is not a book that goes on and on with endless psychobabble. It is a book that is filled with hope. A book that makes you feel 'all right'. A book that tests you and challenges your honesty and your willingness to heal. It's time to stop hiding in the shadows and making excuses. It's time to stop being a victim to start, with God's help, walking with your head up high.

I would recommend this book to anyone who WANTS to heal. You truly do have to want it or it won't work. We all say we want to heal but do we.... really?

I found this book challenging to my thought process and I enjoyed the workbook that was integrated with the reading. The exercises made me more self-aware and able to admit where there are problems that need to be dealt with.

This book gets a thumbs up from me. I know that I'll likely read it again somewhere down the road to see how far I've come.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please click on link to view my book reviews

Think before you speak / type

And so, yes.. I'm having some of those experiences again. You know the ones.... where someone says or types something and you can tell that not a single ounce of thought went into it.

Seriously, the Bible says, and I believe, that we hold the powers of both life and death right in our mouths. We can kill someone with our words or we can lift them up, encourage them and edify them.

We need to get that. We need to remember that a person will remember 1 negative, hurtful comment to 1,000 positive comments. There's a message in there somewhere.

I figure we need to use TACT:

THINK very carefully

ABOUT the message that you wish to

COMMUNICATE either in writing or verbally

TO the recipient before you say or write it.

~~ Just my two cents ~~

Check Check

Is this thing on?