Book Review: Think Better Live Better (A Victorious Life Begins in Your Mind) by Joel Osteen

2 Corinthians 2:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

This is a fast and friendly motivational
read!!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Bestselling author Joel Osteen shares how reprogramming your thoughts to remove negativity will lead to a more blessed, fulfilled life. Your mind has incredible power over your success or failure. THINK BETTER, LIVE BETTER offers a simple yet life-changing strategy for erasing the thoughts that keep you down and reprogramming your mind with positive thinking to reach a new level of victory. As a child of the Most High God, you are equipped to handle anything that comes your way. To claim your destiny, start thinking about yourself the way God does and delete the thoughts that tear down your confidence. When you train yourself to tune out the negativity and tune into your calling, you'll begin to live the wonderful plans God has made for you.

About the Author

JOEL OSTEEN is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children. You can visit his website at www.joelosteen.com.

My Personal Review

Think Better Live Better by Joel Osteen provides the reader with encouragement and direction to take positive control of one's thought life and in so doing, unleash the abundant life that God has designed for each of us.

The book's foundation is built upon the truth that "We are who God says we are..." not who "other people say we are". Pastor Osteen reminds us that we are "born into royalty, created to reign in this life" and we should never forget those truths or we will miss the greatness God is calling us to. Think Better Live Better is a quick motivational read that will ignite your passion and desire to serve the Lord. This book has a steady flow of interesting stories to spur you on and breathe faith into your walk.

The continual reminder that we need to "reprogram of our minds" if we are repetitively thinking negative thoughts is clearly communicated. The use of analogies adds an interesting layer to the book. My favorite description of what it is like when we think negatively is when Pastor Osteen compares our lives to being stuck in a cocoon. He explains that "the enemy would love to keep me in my cocoon, thinking these wormy thoughts. He wants us to struggle, to be insecure, to be burdened by addictions and bad habits. It all starts in our mind." But, the author goes on to clarify that we can break out of the cocoon by speaking the truth of scripture over our minds. Anytime the self limiting thoughts creep in we need to confront them by saying, "I can do all things through Christ. I am strong in the Lord. If God be for me, who dare be against me?" 

The totality of this book is based on scripture and taking back our lives for the Lord through meditation on the Word of God and focusing on the promises that are found in the Bible. Osteen references Joshua 1:8: "If you will meditate on God's Word day and night, you will prosper and have good success." The author champions us to concentrate on the "promises of God... not the problems" of life.

Think Better Live Better gives several examples of people in the Bible, who would never have met the full potential that God had in mind for them had they listened to the labels other people had placed on them. We are challenged to care more about the label of the Lord than what the naysayers will say. Speaking the truth over our situations and not allowing fear of tomorrow to grip our today is another excellent piece of advice found in the pages of this book. 

Think Better Live Better by Joel Osteen is currently available for preorder by clicking here. It will be released tomorrow, October 4, 2106. 

Thank you to FaithWords Publishing for this review copy of Think Better Live Better (A Victorious Life Begins In Your Mind) by Joel Osteen. I was not required to write a favorable review, but to simply give my honest opinion of this work. 

Book Review: Successful WOMEN of the BIBLE by Katara Washington Patton

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The second book in a new series that brings the experiences of favorite Bible characters to challenges of contemporary life.

Exceptional read filled with lots of insight!

Contemporary "success" is often defined in financial terms or by number of Twitter followers. But for women of faith, success is so much more. And it turns out the timeless qualities of success are exemplified by women on the pages of their favorite book, the Bible. Deborah's model leadership is just as relevant today as it was in the age of the Hebrew judges. Esther's courage to stand up for a cause, Miriam's joyful support of others, Priscilla's exemplary partnership skill, Lydia's business acumen, and other characteristics of women in the Bible are embodied in lively storytelling. Busy Christian women--often working and raising a family--crave examples of success. Here are distilled principles they can use to succeed in today's noisy culture. The lessons of these icons of the faith apply, even in the age of Facebook and Instagram.

 ABOUT AUTHOR

Katara Washington Patton has written and edited Christian books for children, teens, and adults and has created supplemental materials for books by T.D. Jakes, Beth Moore, and Joyce Meyer. She served as general editor and writer of Aspire: The New Women of Color Study Bible. She holds a M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Successful Women of the Bible by Katara Washington Patton~published by Faith Words~ is a beautifully insightful book that has significant spiritual application for women everywhere!

I absolutely loved Successful Women of the Bible. I'm confident that, if you are a woman, you will see some of your strengths and perhaps a few pitfalls of your weaknesses amidst the pages of this thoughtful read. The author, Katara Washington Patton carefully analyzes the lives of some prominent women of the Bible to create an engaging work that will encourage your heart.

The author clearly defines behaviors that will lead to a closer and more effective walk with the Lord as she evaluates eleven different women of the Bible. She also highlights the importance of women standing together in courage and unity to accomplish certain difficult tasks, citing the story of the "Daughters of Zelophehad", which I might add, I had never studied...so that was a treat! She describes them as a "group of women in the Bible whose interdependence changed the history of a people and further inspires an independent gal like myself to value interdependence even more than independence." (Italics my own.) 

Patton challenges women to "learn that depending on others is not a sign of weakness, but interdependence" that "could actually make me and others stronger." As an "older gal" myself...I can verify from some years of experience... that Patton's statement is definitely true in my life! When I see the amazing women that the Lord places in my life as "teammates" rather than "competition", I am much more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and therefore more apt to accomplish His kingdom purposes.

The format used in this book allows a clear picture of what attributes to recognize within yourself that will assist you in experiencing the complete plan that God is calling you to. At the end of each chapter, Patton takes the creative liberty to write a fictional letter from the Biblical character that singles out their love and devotion to God! I loved Priscilla and Esther... 

"I am Esther, queen of the land. Called for such a time as this. It's not just about me. I can and will influence and impact other's lives. God always has a plan and a plan of escape for those trapped. I will seek to do all that I can to be a voice for the voiceless and lift up the ones without, sometimes scared, but always trusting in God. I know I have been placed on this earth for more than myself and my comfort. I am the voice, I am the arms, I am the eyes of those who need it the most. I know God is all over my life and is directing my story, so I listen for His prompting and His cues so I might follow."

Successful WOMEN of the BIBLE by Katara Washington Patton will be released tomorrow- 8/23/2016 and can be purchased here. It's an incredible read. I highly recommend you snatch it up...you will definitely be refreshed!!

Thank you to Faith Words for this review copy of Successful Women of the Bible by Katara Washington Patton. I was not required to write a favorable review, but rather to give my honest opinion of it's content. 

Hooray For Moms And Dads...Keep Going!

Psalm 119:84(MSG)
How long do I have to put up with all this? 

Good morning!!  On the heels of my review of the book: Their Name Is Today~Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World by Johann Christoph Arnold, I thought it would be appropriate to continue the "parenting encouragement".  The verse of the day is quite fitting to remind me that I must persevere in the parenting department...right?   

With that in mind, please click on the YouTube video below for a very fun song created by a Mom.  Our local radio station aired it today, and although I have heard it before, it made me laugh and brought a smile to my face once again.  I hope it will make you smile as well.  Have a great day!

The Mom Song

Book Review: NIV Streams in the Desert Bible by L. B. Cowman Edited by Jim Reimann

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

NIV Streams in the Desert Bible by L. B. Cowman Edited by Jim Reimann

Are you in a desert experience? Let your thirsty soul be restored and refreshed through the daily devotions in the NIV Streams in the Desert Bible.
At some point in our lives, we encounter the trials and deep mysteries of the Christian faith. And when we do become like a thirsty traveler, what we most desire is for hope, comfort, and encouragement to burst forth like a sparkling, clear river.


The NIV Bible
translation paired with daily
devotions designed to quench your thirst
for a deeper connection
with the Lord.

The hopeful daily readings in this Bible promise to revive and refresh you—one of today’s generation of faithful sojourners—by providing daily devotions in modern, easy-to-understand language that beautifully captures the timeless essence of the original. These devotionals are presented alongside Scripture using the popular New International Version of the Bible.
While the devotions in this Bible were originally written by L. B. Cowman—a pioneer missionary in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917—this devotional Bible has been edited by James Reimann. It maintains the beauty of the original Cowman writings while making the devotionals more accessible for the readers of today.
Features:
• Complete text of the clear, accessible NIV Bible
• 365 daily readings of strength and encouragement from L. B. Cowman
• Foreword by Jim Reimann

My Review:

NIV Streams in the Desert Bible by L. B. Cowman Edited by Jim Reimann is everything that you have come to expect when reading the NIV Bible translation, in addition to the spirit led depth of a daily devotion that will take your life journey to an even greater understanding of our Lord and His gracious love for us. 

This Daily Devotional Bible is organized and edited by Jim Reimann. The author has carefully edited each devotion from L. B. Cowman's original Streams in the Desert and identified a specific reference point of scripture implication that serves to enrich the comprehension of the devotion.  The format encourages a daily reflection utilizing the identified verses and expounds upon the culture, setting, and time period during which the verse was written.  This survey of history  illuminates a greater understanding of the message being conveyed within the verses.  There is also a wonderful Subject Index located in the back of the book for quick reference to a vast array of common themes including:  affliction, anxiety, blessings discouragement, and prayer... just to name a few.

The Bible: NIV Streams in the Desert Bible is quite unique in that the original author penned these ponderous words over 100 years ago, and yet because they are tied to the unchanging Word of God, they are as fresh and applicable (or perhaps even more so) today, as they were over a century ago!  I greatly appreciated the consistent thoughtful writings that make up this Devotional Bible.  Each of the 365 devotions are unique and provide the reader with a confidence in Christ;  they create a level of assurance in the scriptures that is not only refreshing and healing, but inspiring.

Another interesting point about this particular Bible is that a portion of the purchase price will go directly to Biblica, an organization that is dedicated to "transforming lives through God's Word".  Biblica was formerly known as the International Bible Society and they currently hold the initial copyright to the NIV Bible translation.  This organization is currently distributing the NIV Bible to 55 countries around the world.  That's pretty impressive!

I would highly recommend this NIV Devotional Bible to anyone who is wanting a user friendly study Bible filled with deeply personal insight into the NEVER changing Word of God.  This Bible will allow the reader to identify the promises of God and apply them to their life with fresh hope and sound doctrine.

I would like to thank Zondervan through the Book-Look-Bloggers program for this review copy of NIV Streams in the Desert Bible by L. B. Cowman & edited by Jim Reimann.  I was not required to write a favorable evaluation.  The opinions within this report are entirely my own.
 

Book Review: God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller

Great encouraging book!

God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller is an inspiring book aimed at infusing you with hope and courage to change the world through the power of Christ in your life…even if you are an “Underdog”….which we all are to one extent or another!

God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller is a wonderfully encouraging book!  I enjoyed the presentation and the transparency found throughout the work.  The resounding message that each of us are created for a unique purpose that God has designed specifically for us, despite our challenges, is easily communicated throughout the chapters.

The book identifies nine excuses that we frequently allow to become road blocks in our lives and prevent us from accomplishing all that God has planned for us.  In his gentle and transparent delivery, Matt authentically reveals some areas of struggle that he has had during his ministry and subsequent planting of the church:  Next Level Church.  In tandem, he highlights the lives of men and women from the Bible that were certainly Underdogs, but chose to confront their obstacles and in turn, the power of God was released in a mighty way to change history.

The book took me to a level of contemplation beyond a shallow quick once over.  Instead, as I read each chapter, I found myself challenged by the reasons for why we become paralyzed in our response to God.  The book motivated me to dream bigger for Him!!  It incited me to trust Him for more!!  My favorite quote from this book is:  “The more light we let in, the less darkness can stay!”  God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller needs to be on your reading list for 2014!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review copy of God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller through Booksneeze.  This review and the opinions given within are strictly my own.

Blog Review: The Cavewoman Speaks by KyAnne Weaver

"The Cavewoman Speaks"
Blog by KyAnne Weaver

 The Cavewoman Speaks by KyAnne Weaver (click here) is a wonderfully encouraging blog filled with Godly wisdom for immediate application and lots of humor!  Her zeal for Christ is contagious and her passion to partner with women in their walk toward a more meaningful relationship with our Lord is her primary focus.

I enjoy reading books and reviewing them.  I also enjoy reading various blogs.  I have never actually reviewed a blog, so today I thought it would be fun to try it out.  This blog, The Cavewoman Speaks by KyAnne Weaver is one of my many favorites.  KyAnne introduces herself as a lover of Christ, wife and mother of three boys (young men now), teacher, and author of the book titled:  Diary of a Cavewoman.  If you would like to read my review for that book, please click here.

KyAnne's posts are transparent, succinct and always uplifting.  She has the ability to address important subject matters with a gentle humor that allows the reader to reflect on heart issues in a nonthreatening manner.  I always leave her pages with a lighter step, a spirit of freedom in Christ, and a renewed resolve to apply the truths of God's Word.  One of her most recent posts titled "Hindenburg Parenting" (click here) had me laughing out loud at my desk....as so many of her posts do. 

If you are wanting another blog to add to your Blog Roll, you will definitely want to consider this one, The Cavewoman Speaks by KyAnne Weaver.  Enjoy!!

What God Says Is Good

Psalm 119:39(MSG)
Deflect the harsh words of my critics--
but what you say is always so good.

His Word is so good!

The words we say to people can be so harsh can't they?  We need to be so careful that we are building up rather than tearing down.  This is especially true where our children are concerned.  They are always listening to what we say.  It may not seem like they hear us, but they do indeed. 

I have forgotten a lot of things through the years, but the memories that stick most forcefully in my mind are the words of encouragement and in stark contrast the words of discouragement that people have said to me!  We tend to replay those words over and over again.  This verse is a good reminder to me to let my words be uplifting and kind.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your words that are always good.  Please forgive the careless and selfish words that sometimes spew from my mouth.  Guard my tongue in the future and help me to use words that build up instead of tear down.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Just Dirt

Psalm 119:25(NKJV)
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.

I saw a bill board today and here is what it said:  I know God recycles, because He created us from dust.

We're just dirt without Him!

What a great thought!  We did come from dust! We came from dust and God's breath of life.
 
Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) 
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;  and man became a living being.

Today's verse is a reminder that my life is so dependent  upon Him.  Without the breath of the Lord within me, I am...well...just dirt.  Plain and simple.

However, there's good news in this verse!  He gives me a chance to be revived.  According to His promises that He provides throughout His word, I can live an abundant life.  A life that is aglow with His glory.  A life that is purposeful and has deep meaning. 

Here is the Message translation:
Psalm 119:25(MSG)
I'm feeling terrible--I couldn't feel worse!  Get me on my feet again.  You promised, remember?

God's word is true!  His faithful words are our stepping stones to a successful existence on planet earth and forever after.  Keep those steps going...and do not ever quit, because as long as you have the breath of His life within you, you still have an assignment to finish! 

Father,
Thank you for breathing Your breath of life into us.  Encourage us today to keep moving forward in a walk that is full of Your kingdom purposes. 
In the name of Jesus,
Amen

Working Together

Proverbs 6:13(MSG)
They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet, they cross their fingers behind their backs.

I remember having secret hand shakes and speaking in special coded words with my best friend when I was little.  This verse reminds me of that, as it tells of a communication between two people, albeit seemingly negative in this instance.  There are facial gestures, a certain swagger, and even secret hand gestures shared between these two individuals.  The problem is that what they are sharing between them, is not so good....deception, lies, and tearing down of others.  But, this isn't how God designed for friendship to be....nope...not at all.

There is really nothing like a good friend is there?  I mean truly, when you have special friends to laugh, cry, work, play, study, and pray with you should consider yourself very blessed indeed!!  This past week in my time with the Lord, I came across this scripture from

2 Corinthians 1:3~All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!  Father of all mercy!  God of all healing counsel!  He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there or us.  (Italics mine.)

This has been lived out countless times in my life.  When I face certain struggles, I find that the next thing I know, someone around me is candid about a difficulty they are having and it turns out to be a similar situation to the trial I am walking through, or have just walked through.  The Lord allows me to come alongside them and encourage them in His name.  I have had so many wonderful friends do the exact same for me during my trials.  What a gift friends are!

I am thanking God tonight for the people that He has put in my life to minister His love to me!  I pray that I can also return this love to others in their times of trial.