Graham-isms: Holy Spirit

‎"The role of the Holy Spirit 
is to teach you who you are in Christ and who you can be. 
You're more beautiful than you realize and you're stronger than you know!"

Book Review: You're Stronger Than You Think

This is a study of the many things that go into using your strengths and weaknesses and how to identify them both.  There are different studies that are shared in this book that prove once and again a lot of what we do or don't do has to do with perspective.  A interesting point that was made is that Inertia is our enemy;the main enemy of Boldness.  It causes us to wait for someday. Also shown were different examples of the "Placebo Effect" in peoples lives.

I gained the most from the part of the book that talked about we need to quiet our over thinking so that the Intuitive part of our nature can connect with the wisdom of God. I also enjoyed many of the quotes offered in different parts of each chapter.  There were different parts that I found interesting but I also found it was also a bit boring in parts too.  Was it worth the read?  I think so, because if all I got was one or two things that can change my life- then that's a treasure I didn't have before reading it.  There is also a workbook that is available for purchase to go along with this book.
I received this book FREE, from Tyndale House Publisher for an honest review.

Book Review: Almost Amish

A novel of 2 women and their children as the main characters in a reality T.V. setting; going back to an easier, plainer lifestyle.  What could possibly go wrong, right?  Julie Charlton is exhausted from her frantic over-committed life and is finding little satisfaction in it and then her sister in-law Susan who is a true up-tight A++ personality, offers up this opportunity.  Susan has a lot on the line and becomes even more driven as Julie although desiring peace has to begin standing up for slowing things down lifestyle.  The reality show comes up with many different challenges they must perform all on camera  but  most challenging things come just from their different personalities and goals.
I found this novel to be really enjoyable, not your usual story of the Amish or even reality T.V.  The people in the story managed to stir some emotions as you read about them and begin to care where their story was going.  So well written that I actually began to hate the woman, Kendra who was directing their daily life for the T.V. show.    That's pretty good writing to be able to involve you to that point!  One of the main benefits that came from the story is that God has given everyone a gift; something they were made to do and even if you don't know what it is yet, keep looking; really pay attention and you'll find it.  Probably sooner if you quit comparing yourself to everyone else.  If you're reading this and go " Oh no, she mentioned God; its probably a preachy story!"   Its not but if you're looking for a different type of story this is it!

I received this book FREE from Bethany House in return for this honest review.

Book Review: Mondays WITH My Old Pastor *****5 stars

This is a story of not only a younger man being mentored by  his old pastor during a time of deep discouragement but also a story of the passing of the torch from one generation to another.
Personal, gentle and sometimes not so gentle sharing of stories and wisdom's from someone who has walked before us.  Just like the subtitle says.  The passion and humor, and honesty that the old pastor shares and the relationship between the 2 pastors is beautiful to read; it just flows with life.

When I was thinking of choosing this book, I had read something about it being a book written  "In lyrical prose," and I almost didn't order it.  To be honest, I was afraid I would hate a book written in a "poetry" style.   I'm so glad that I went ahead and ordered it,  because I absolutely loved the book.    When the phrase was used "lyrical prose" it was meant in a which more liberal way than I thought.   I learned so much from what was shared; things to add to my walk in life too!
I also am friends with many different ministers who could use the encouragement and wisdom that this book has to offer.  In fact, I plan on passing this book to one of them as soon as I can.  Another "group" of people who could benefit from this book (and enjoy) is those that think being a minister is all sunshine and roses.  It would give them a very true insight into the sacrifices that they make and the hurts they endure; that others don't always get to see.  Its sad to say that some totally forget that they are human beings just like us and we can hurt and damage them instead of joining together with them as brothers and sisters and praying for them and their families.  As you can see I am passionate about this.  It was a beautiful, beautiful story no matter what else can be said about it and I hope it energizes people for years to come.
I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Book Review: Short Straw Bride

One woman,  meets four brothers whose driving purpose in life is to protect themselves as a family against the outside world and to protect the Archer Land.   But there's more to the story, Meredith as a child met the oldest brother, Travis  because of an accident. Years later because of the deep impact from that meeting, when Meredith overhears of a dangerous threat to Travis and his family she reaches out to help him.  This leads to her becoming injured, and also putting her reputation in jeopardy  and  now Travis is the one reaching out to help her   I'm trying not to give too much away so that the story can unfold in the way it was written.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, and the threats that they had to overcome. Also totally enjoyed how the Spunky women were presented in the story.  Spunky without being arrogant or annoying.  Yes, God is woven into this story, with some scripture mentioned. For those who are not believers or those who don't want a lot of scripture;  relax, its delicately woven into the story.  Loved the way it was written, and now that I know the style of this author I wouldn't mind one bit to read another of her stories.  In fact, I look forward to reading more by this author, Karen Witemeyer.

I was given a copy of this book Free from Bethany House for  my honest evaluation.

Book Review: Call of a Coward

A story of an ordinary Christian housewife content where she was at; until God reminds her that she said she would go wherever he sent her. Step by step, God confirms to her that he is sending her and her family to Guatemala; IF she will go.  Confronted with the knowledge that she can either obey or continue to be miserable; she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. She makes new friends, some that will be life long friendships.  She also overcomes fears and is stretched beyond what she thought she could ever do.

If I was asked to describe this book in 3 words; they would be
 Entertaining, Humorous, Honest.
I liked the book because of these very three things.
It was an easy read but also engaging too! 

I absolutely loved the title and it was a sign of how  honest she was going to be in not always being as strong in her faith as she had thought or presented to other people.  

Just a quick note about the author: she was the winner of the Women of Faith 2010 Writing Contest, and honorable mention recipient in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition.  When I first saw that, I hesitated because in the past when it comes to movies and sometimes books that doesn't necessarily mean I will like it.  So I just closed my eye and clicked "choose" on booksneeze.  I'm glad to see that it was a good choice.  


I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Graham Cooke: God within =Rising up!

‎"In every situation we face,

 God is already in that situation

 because we carry Him within. 

We are learning therefore --


 that God is not touching us from outside 

 He is actually rising up from inside!

 He has already taken up residence within us."