Wisdom. What comes to mind when you hear that word?
Knowledge? Correction? Advice? Guidance? Understanding? Insight? Perspective? Some of the above? All Wisdom. What comes to mind when you hear that word?
Knowledge? Correction? Advice? Guidance? Understanding? Insight? Perspective? Some of the above? All of the above?
For me, wisdom is the stuff of champions. Joyce Meyer says it like this: “it’s making the right choice at the right time.” I'll further add it's knowing what to say, when to say it and how to say it.
And let me be the first to admit that I have not always made the right choice at the right time. I definitely intend to and attempt to but sometimes anger/frustration/pettiness/pride gets the best of me. And that’s why I need wisdom.
The Book of Proverbs contains thirty-one Proverbs written to equip and empower you to live your best life both spiritually and practically. They are love letters to your soul, nutrient-dense soul food for your life.
For some, the idea of reading the Bible is beyond boring. I used to be in that category. That is until I actually started reading it and discovered that it is a treasure chest filled with golden nuggets.
When we know better, we can choose better. And when we choose better, we can live better and love better.
In her latest release, Joyce Meyer unpacks the Book of Proverbs with each chapter dedicated to one Proverb. Readers are encouraged to read each chapter after they’ve read the corresponding Proverb. This book is like a shovel that helps you dig deeper into what God has to say about the various facets of life. There is so much life-nourishing, life-giving, life-transforming goodness to be found.
If the book of Proverbs is a life class for your soul, “In search of Wisdom” is your study guide :)
“The book of Proverbs is filled with promises for those who choose wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, discretion, discernment, and the fear of the Lord. It is also filled with warnings for those who don’t.”-Joyce Meyer
This review was in partnership with Hachette Publishing who graciously sent me a copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Years ago, while perusing the ever popular Pinterest, I came across a gift idea that really stuck with me. It was a series of envelopes entitled “OpenYears ago, while perusing the ever popular Pinterest, I came across a gift idea that really stuck with me. It was a series of envelopes entitled “Open me when [insert circumstance/emotion]” and in it contained a letter, a small gift, etc. that would encourage, inspire, and/or empower the recipient. . . This gift idea is exactly what popped into mind while reading Victoria Osteen’s latest book “Exceptional You!” . . Each page is written with the intention of encouraging you, inspiring you, and empowering you to live the exceptional life you were created to live. . . In her book, @victoriaosteen explains how the word encourage comes from the Old French words encoragier, which means to strengthen (p.68). Through the use of stories, scripture, and self-declaring statements, you will find yourself strengthened. Strengthened to dream again, believe again, and embrace whatever season you find yourself in-knowing and being reminded that the exceptional you is within you right here, right now. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to be exceptional. The invite is here and the choice is yours. Will you R.S.V.P. today?
This book is your personal “open me* when _______” gift. Open me* when you need encouragement. Open me* when you need a dose of inspiration. Open me* when you need to be reminded of how much you are loved, treasured, and cared about. Open me* when you need to refresh your perspective. Open me* when you’ve had a great day. Open me* when you’ve had a not so great day. Open me* when you are ready to be Exceptional You. . . I don’t know about you dear friend, but “I have absolutely no desire to be average.”-gymquotes.co . . *me= “Exceptional You!” By Victoria Osteen . . **special thanks and shout-out to the wonderful @faithwordsbooks team for their partnership in this review:) you guys are amazing!...more
Have you ever come across a book and while reading it thought “she wrote this for me” or in this case “about me.” That’s precisely how I felt as my minHave you ever come across a book and while reading it thought “she wrote this for me” or in this case “about me.” That’s precisely how I felt as my mind and heart immersed themselves in the book “Uninvited” by the witty, wise, and wonderfully honest and always transparent Lysa TerKeurst. She’s a gal that tells it as it is and is the first to admit when her attempts at living the picture perfect life have come up short. She’s the girl who invites you and I to dig deep because though life in the shallow end is safe and certain, there’s not much else there.
Lysa’s (many) encounters with rejection is oh so familiar with those of us who care to admit it. Atleast once in our lives, something happened to us that we didn’t plan or rather didn’t go as planned. Maybe it’s that person who you liked but didn’t reciprocate the same feelings. Maybe it’s the job that didn’t work out. Maybe it’s watching those around you live the life you so desire. Maybe it’s all of the above. Rejection hurts. It stings when it happens and stings whenever we relive it. “Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what’s been said to me.”-Lysa TerKeurst
Rejection may be a thing of the past but is something many of us relive in the present and as Lysa says, “fear in the future.”
When left untreated, it has the ability to contaminate our minds, rot our souls and block our ability to give love and let love in-the very thing we all long for.
“People can’t fix from the outside a perspective that needs to be rewired on the inside. Only the Lord can do that.”-Lysa TerKeurst
“Uninvited” is an invite to you and I to see rejection as a say but not the final say. It’s an invite to confront the lies that we accepted as the truth and instead anchor to the One whose truth is timeless and unshakeable.
“Uninvited” reinforces the best of who we are by unshackling the worst of what’s been said to us through the unconditional, relentless love of the One who created us-the One who can take our mess and turn it into a masterpiece; transform our brokenness into a thing of beauty and blessings; and use our experience(s) of rejection into a story of redemption.
"Choose to live loved while you’re in the middle of the journey, and know that what He has in mind for you is so much more than you imagine.”-Lysa TerKeurst
p.s. The Olive Tree analogy...may just change your life!
“There’s a difference between being too scared to do hard things and doing hard things scared.”-Shannan Martin
I love coming across hidden gems and not “There’s a difference between being too scared to do hard things and doing hard things scared.”-Shannan Martin
I love coming across hidden gems and not-so hidden gems. Gem. That is precisely the word I would use to describe “Falling Free” and Shannan Martin.
She had a wonderful marriage, a beautiful home, and a growing bank account. Her and her husband had flourishing careers and everything appeared to be on the up and up. They lived safe, secure, and comfortable lives-something that many if not all of us secretly or openly desire, whether we care to admit it or not. Yet what if in the midst of their quest, our quest for safe, secure, and comfortable lives, we were/are pursuing the very things preventing us from living…our best lives?!?
“Love is really love-when you are loving the unlovable. Forgiveness is really forgiveness-when you are forgiving the unforgivable. Faith is really faith-when you believe for the unbelievable. And there is a grace that says even this is not impossible and that makes you one of the impossables.”-Ann Voskamp
Faith. Trust. Surrender.
“Deep inside, under my protective layers and all my excuses, buried beneath my ignorance and pride, nearly suffocated by my false realities and unholy ideas, a brand-new spark was lit.”-Shannan Martin
“With knocking knees, I stood between everything I’d ever known and the God who scripted me into being. He had things for me to do. He stood ready to blow my plans out of the water, if I’d let him.
I wish I could say the choice was easy, that following God amid uncertainty was a complete no-brainer.
It wasn’t easy. It was painful. Wrenching. Confusing. Unclear. There were times it felt like the flu and a long string of days that ended with my face pressed against a soggy pillow.
Because of his fierce love for me, and his unflinching knowledge that what he offered was so much better than the ghetto of my scared, secluded faith, he nudged and needled and shoved me around.
Until finally, I jumped.”-Shannan Martin
Life. Leadership. Legacy.
If you think you’ve got everything figured out, this book is for you. If you think you’ve got nothing figured out, this book is for you. And if you’re neither here nor there, this book is for you.
This book is a game changer because…love, God’s love is a game changer in the best possible way....more
Wendy is witty, wise, and a friend who is ready to share it all. Her new book “Wait and See” is for any one who has ever struggled with a dream, a desWendy is witty, wise, and a friend who is ready to share it all. Her new book “Wait and See” is for any one who has ever struggled with a dream, a desire, a wish for his/her life. I had highlights on almost every page! Her name may be Wendy Pope but after reading her book, I have nicknamed her Wendy HOPE. She is a beacon of hope and a light that will brighten your day/life…she certainly has for me:). ...more
Are you a leader or an aspiring leader? This book is for you. Have you ever wonder how to deal with tough challenges like resolving conflict, working wAre you a leader or an aspiring leader? This book is for you. Have you ever wonder how to deal with tough challenges like resolving conflict, working with difficult people, working under poor leadership, and navigating leadership transitions? This book offers the answers or atleast some timely advice.
In his new book “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions,” leadership expert John C. Maxwell answers hundreds of questions related to all things leadership.
"Questions unlock and open doors that otherwise remain closed"-John C. Maxwell "Good questions inform; great questions transform."-John C. Maxwell
Looking to find your purpose? This book is for you. Looking to learn from one of the greatest leaders out there? This book is for you. Looking for timeless wisdom, insight, words to live by, and questions that lead to clarity? This book is for you.
This book is not just for business folks but is for anyone who is looking to be a better leader in life.
This book is not just about leadership, it’s about life. It’s about living on purpose. It’s about building and strengthening relationships. It’s about becoming all that you were created to be.
"Life's greatest rewards come from your inner self, from the choices you make, from how you decide to live under whatever circumstances you find yourself in."-John C. Maxwell ...more
“What if I told you that the place where your dreams got broken is the place where the most amazing things can happen if you’ll just let it? Believe i“What if I told you that the place where your dreams got broken is the place where the most amazing things can happen if you’ll just let it? Believe it, because it’s true.”-Grace Thornton
Prior to this, I had never heard of Grace Thornton before. As I began reading her book “I Don't Wait Anymore”, I met a lady who articulated in words what many of us have experienced: shattered dreams. Plans that did not pan out. Journeys that took detours.
“Money and a good latte protect us from a lot of things. It is too easy in this country for blessings to become rights, for stuff and money to become what calls the shots in our lives. And before we know it, God’s gifts have replaced God Himself.-Jennie Allen
We in North America, are so blessed yet so bitter. We have an abundance of food yet are malnourished. We are fed yet ungrateful. We have endless opportunities in front of us yet more often than not, we prostitute ourselves for a paycheque. We appear physically strong but are emotionally broken. We are blinded by what we see. We are mute for the things that matter. We strive but find ourselves stuck. We compare hoping to find contentment but we find chaos instead. We chase after the next thing to satisfy us but the only thing that will satisfy us is the One who chases us.
Grace’s story is one that speaks to our souls. If we never achieve the dreams we have for ourselves, is our life any less significant? Should we consider ourselves utter failures when those around us seem to be living THE life while we look around at all the things that have not worked out in ours? What Grace has learned and continues to learn through her journey is that broken dreams can lead to a better life when we place our life in the hands of an amazing God. While many of us dream about things, God’s ultimate dream is for us to know Him (when we really consider this notion, it is utterly amazing. The God who created the universe wants us to know Him! Seriously?!?). So many of us pursue careers, relationships, houses, vacations, certain lifestyles, etc. And while these things are not bad in themselves, what if they were the very things keeping us from God’s best? Would you and I be willing to exchange what we’ve been holding on to (for years) for what He has planned? Grace encourages us to take the plunge because what God has in store for us is always far better, far more amazing than the greatest dreams we have for ourselves.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” -Isaiah 55:9
“I Don't Wait Anymore” is an invite to live bigger, love deeper, and experience the presence of God on an even greater level. And that my friends is beyond anything you and I can think, dream, or imagine.
Have you ever wondered what distinguishes positive people from negative people? The words that exit their mouth.
"The tongue can bring death or life; tHave you ever wondered what distinguishes positive people from negative people? The words that exit their mouth.
"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences"-Proverbs 18:21
In his book "Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People," Rich DeVos shares ten key phrases, which he believes are essential for anyone who desires to be more positive in life. The phrases themselves are simple and ones that most of us have heard or been taught to say. However, Rich challenges and invites all of us to become masters at incorporating these powerful phrases in an intentional way. Organized into ten chapters (corresponding to the ten phrases), Rich openly shares several stories from his life to help demonstrate the power of each phrase. For some, it may be just what you need to better grasp each lesson while for others, the book may feel like he is outlining his CV of accomplishments.
Coming from a family that did not have a lot materialistically, Rich's life is a testament to the power of faith, vision, love, and an insatiable appetite to leave others better than he found them. His commitment to others is evident in the countless lives he has inspired and these ten powerful phrases are just a few of the instruments he uses regularly in his symphony of success and significance. ...more
Worry. We've all been plagued with a (bad) case of worries at some point or another. Whether it be worrying about your health, your finances, your chiWorry. We've all been plagued with a (bad) case of worries at some point or another. Whether it be worrying about your health, your finances, your children, your spouse or lack there of, a test in school, a bad grade, what to eat, what not to eat, what someone says, what someone doesn't say, and the list can go on. Perhaps you have worried about worrying too much. I know I have.
I'm a recovering worry-a-holic. I used to worry about everything and anything. I may have been a little better at hiding it from the general public but it doesn't mean it wasn't there. Worry is like an uninvited guest that shows up whenever it likes and will enter your life whenever you let it in.
Insert Joyce Meyer's book entitled "Worry-Free Living: Trading Anxiety for Peace." One of the reasons I love and admire this lady is for her cut and dry approach to every topic. She is a straight shooter and doesn't sugar coat anything. But what she does do is offer herself and her past experiences/hiccups/mistakes/blunders, etc. as examples. She is hilarious, insightful, and someone committed to helping you and I enjoy everyday life.
The book itself is compact in size and is divided into five themes (parts). Each theme contains 4-5 topics that are 5 pages in length. It is an easy read that can be done all in one shot (depending on how much time you have) or can easily be spread out over a longer period of time. In a world where time is of the essence, these quick chapters pack a punch and will leave you worrying less and enjoying everyday life more.
"Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but gets you nowhere."-Unknown ...more
Fiery, feisty, and faith-filled. Christine Caine is a voice who God is using to transform this world through a deep transformation of our hearts. WhetFiery, feisty, and faith-filled. Christine Caine is a voice who God is using to transform this world through a deep transformation of our hearts. Whether teaching live or speaking through the words of her books, this beautiful Greek lady has the ability to dig deep to unearth the goodness within all of us.
Her newest book "Unashamed" could also be known as deactivating the greatest lie the enemy tries to use to distract us. If we are all honest, shame has visited all of us at some point and for many of us sometimes still does. It tells us that we are not __________ enough, we are frauds, and that we amount to nothing.
Shame leads us to throw away the good gifts we are given. Shame pushes us down and prevents us from becoming all that we can be. Shame whispers lies to our soul. BUT..."Shame loses its power when it is expressed."-Christine Caine
"Guilt is about our do. Shame is about our who."-Christine Caine
Shame, shame GO away! Don't ever come again any other day.
We can often times get over the guilt of doing or not doing something but shame is a whole different struggle. It's a persistent bugger that attacks us in the dark.
"Freedom from such internal slavery is far harder to win than physical freedom."-Christine Caine
"Unashamed" is a counterattack. It is an all out expose of the tactics and tricks the devil uses to keep shame at the centre of our lives. Speaking from her own experiences (including being left unnamed and unwanted in a hospital room, being sexually abused for 12 years at the hands of four men, growing up in the poorest zip code in Australia, etc.) Christine reminds us of who we are because of whose we are. She doesn't diminish or belittle the things of our past nor offers an easy way out. Her invite is to encounter the One who is greater than anything we have, are, or will ever go through. Her invite is to unpack the unnecessary baggage we've been carrying around so that we can travel this life lighter. Her invite is to become the person God has created you and I to be.
Equip. Empower. Encourage. "Unashamed" will equip you with God's truth and promises as well as the tools to unmask the lies of the devil. "Unashamed" will empower you to confront the lies of shame that have held you hostage and see the walls that are standing in the way of you and your promised land. "Unashamed" will encourage you to lean on God and His promises, let go of the things holding you hostage, and live in your new found freedom.
You and I can live life and help others live life...Unashamed. ...more
“If enough of us were to flourish and excel in compassion and kindness, then the world would be less wounded and broken.”-Bobbie Houston
You were crea“If enough of us were to flourish and excel in compassion and kindness, then the world would be less wounded and broken.”-Bobbie Houston
You were created for this moment in time. It’s no mistake that you are here. And in this beautiful book by Bobbie Houston, readers are reminded of all that is possible when we encounter the love of our mighty God. Her words are spoken with authority and authenticity. Her heart for God, for people, and for the church is evident with every story shared and every chapter. Above all, she invites us all to stand up, stand together, and stand for each other in the fight for humanity vs. shrinking back and settling for less than God’s very best for our lives.
“Whether the nation we live in is categorized as ‘developed’ or ‘developing’ isn’t the issue-brokenness is brokenness, abandonment is abandonment, abuse is abuse.”-Bobbie Houston
We are all connected in more ways than one and “The Sisterhood” is a shining light of what is possible when we make ourselves available to a God who specializes in the impossible. This book is a date with one of your most fabulous girlfriends who has this gift of leaving you and all the lives she encounters, better off and more alive.
“So wherever life takes you and whatever life deals you, don’t forget to smile upward. It delights heaven, unlocks your heart, makes a way for his goodness, and irritates the pants off the devil. And if it is within your power (which it is, sweetheart), live life magnificently. Your example will inspire and bear fruit that will reach far into eternity.”-Bobbie Houston
This is one of THE most phenomenal books I've ever read.
Shelene Bryan is a living, breathing example of what happens when we are willing to "Love, SkThis is one of THE most phenomenal books I've ever read.
Shelene Bryan is a living, breathing example of what happens when we are willing to "Love, Skip, and Jump." She is hilarious, wonderfully candid, and a brilliant change maker.
And this book may very well change your life. It did mine. ...more
What would you be willing to do for the person you loved the most?
Jennie Allen's simple "Anything" prayer ended up being the most significant prayer sWhat would you be willing to do for the person you loved the most?
Jennie Allen's simple "Anything" prayer ended up being the most significant prayer she'd ever pray. Not only did it change her life but it continues to transform the lives of countless others who have followed in her footsteps.
This book is for those who dare to live the life God created them to live-far greater than anything you and I could think, dream, or imagine.
Busy. What comes to mind when you see that word? Maybe it’s your typical response when someone says “how are you doing?” or maybe it’s what you think Busy. What comes to mind when you see that word? Maybe it’s your typical response when someone says “how are you doing?” or maybe it’s what you think when you look at your calendar and/or life. In a world that rewards striving for more and confuses busyness with success, could busy be what’s actually killing us?
Insert Alli Worthington. She’s a recovering busy-aholic. If we’re being honest, that makes a lot of us. We like being busy because it means we are doing things but are those things really meaningful? This is precisely the question Alli leads us to answer in her book “Breaking Busy.” Overflowing with hilarious stories and best friend wisdom, Alli is on a mission to help us all get rid of the trash (of busyness) to make room for the treasure (God’s best).
From bankruptcy to building a thriving business to letting it all go, her story will inspire you. “Breaking Busy” is a challenge and an invite to live and be fully alive.
“When we purposefully follow Jesus instead of blindly following tradition or succumbing to our own or someone else’s expectations, we will find peace and purpose even in the midst of a world of crazy.”-Alli Worthington
"Living well starts with loving well."-Dave Willis
Love. It’s something we all want but more importantly, it’s something we all need. No exceptions. Lo"Living well starts with loving well."-Dave Willis
Love. It’s something we all want but more importantly, it’s something we all need. No exceptions. Love is fundamental to who we are because of whose we are. We were created to love and be loved. It’s something we all have in common. It’s what connects us to one another. It’s what gives us life.
In “The Seven Laws of Love,” Dave Willis invites us on a journey of not just what love is but WHO love is. He mixes personal stories and Bible references that make this wonderful book confronting yet comforting, visionary yet practical, inspiring and insightful. It is a wellspring for the soul, a wake-up call to our spirits, and a daily invite to live well by loving well.
"Let love sweep through your life, and replace that junk with joy.”-Dave Willis
Love fuels us, it fires us up, and it frees us to be all that we’ve been created and called to be. As Dave says in his book “Love is the most powerful force on earth.” And you and I, are invited to share it, be a part of it, encounter it, and live it. ...more
In her new book “If My Heart Could Talk”, Dodie (a.k.a Mama Dodie or Ms. Dodie) opens her heart to speak to yours. ThiDodie Osteen is small but mighty.
In her new book “If My Heart Could Talk”, Dodie (a.k.a Mama Dodie or Ms. Dodie) opens her heart to speak to yours. This book is raw, honest, and filled with personal stories, beautiful insight, and timeless wisdom. Mama Dodie is a special woman with an incredible spirit who has faced her share of uphill battles and seemingly impossible situations. And yet through it all, she shares what it means to have feisty faith and all that is possible when you are willing to trust God.
For such a tiny woman, she packs a mighty punch in the words of this book. It is simple and sweet, bold and brave, and daring all at the same time.
“If My Heart Could Talk” is like sitting down with your grandma for tea. Mama Dodie’s wisdom and stories will nourish your soul and fire up your spirit time and time again.
And who knows, it might just inspire you to dream bigger and believe that nothing, NOTHING is impossible with God:).
This is one of the most beautiful stories of #unconditionallove I've ever read. It's inspiring, heart breaking, and heart awakening all at once. This This is one of the most beautiful stories of #unconditionallove I've ever read. It's inspiring, heart breaking, and heart awakening all at once. This is a story of compassion, courage, hope, and love...unconditional love. And love dear friends, has the ability to change everything and everyone. "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."-1 Corinthians 13:13...more
I couldn't put this book down. It grabbed my attention and captivated it till the end. I couldn't put this book down. It grabbed my attention and captivated it till the end. ...more
Susie Larson is a chef-de-cuisine when it comes to words. She has the ability to articulate with grace, beauty, and eloquence. Every page speaks to thSusie Larson is a chef-de-cuisine when it comes to words. She has the ability to articulate with grace, beauty, and eloquence. Every page speaks to the heart and it's a book I find myself returning to time and time again. ...more
I love Pixar. Maybe you do too. If you ever want to see creativity in action, watch any Pixar movie. They are all works of he(ART).
What I love about tI love Pixar. Maybe you do too. If you ever want to see creativity in action, watch any Pixar movie. They are all works of he(ART).
What I love about this book is it takes fans of Pixar back to the very humble beginnings. It is a story of passion and perseverance and what it means to believe in something and someone. It is visionary from start to finish...just like Pixar....more
One of my most favourite books on my shelf and one that I go back to time and time again. Truth be told, anything created by the Soul Pancake team is One of my most favourite books on my shelf and one that I go back to time and time again. Truth be told, anything created by the Soul Pancake team is genius. Pure Gold....more
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