"40 Days With the Savior" by Connie E. Sokol Book Review/Giveaway (ends 3/31) WW

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40 Days with the Savior 
by Connie E. Sokol


Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter?
You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with this collection of inspirational thoughts on trying to become more like the Savior. For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ. Learn more of who He was and what He taught.
As you read these daily devotionals, you’ll feel a joyful connection to the character of Jesus Christ, understand how much He is involved in your life, and discover how knowing Him better makes your life better, too.

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~Connie donates 100% of the profits from her books to charity~

Praise

"Connie Sokol, the queen of simple yet effective, has done it again. What a great resource for quick, daily things that we can do to draw closer to the Savior. This easily fits into our busy lives, reminding us of what matters most."
~Peggy Urry, President-elect, American Night Writers Association

“I LOVED this book! Connie brings these scriptures home with real, everyday moments. I can savor these bite-size gems throughout my busy day with little ones. The teachings are powerful, and her added insights brought them home for me in a new way."
~Amy Chandler, Founder My Story Matters

“Connie Sokol’s new book, “40 Days with the Savior”, is just the little push I needed to feel the Savior’s presence in my daily life. Using personal stories, scriptural accounts, and meaningful insights, she helps readers draws closer to Jesus Christ and become a more Christ-centered person. I loved her daily nuggets of wisdom, with titles like, “He Did the Right Thing” and “He Gently Corrects”, to prompt a change of behavior. My Easter will be more meaningful this year!”
~Jodi Marie Robinson, Author of “Women of Virtue” and “A Royal Guardian”

“Connie Sokol has thoughtfully shared fresh insights to well know scriptural phrases. The simple meditations in 40 Days with the Savior are enlightening and empowering. This is an easy way to draw closer to Jesus Christ throughout the Easter season and during the rest of the year. After reading this book I feel my burdens are lighter.”
~Margaret Turley, Author of Save the Child, Administrator Writers Unite to Fight Cancer


40 Days with the Savior by Connie E. Sokol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went into this devotional wondering how much I would appreciate the book.  I know the author has a LDS background, but let me put your mind to rest.  This is a devotional that will appeal to Christian moms from all walks of life.  The Bible is the only thing that is quoted, and experiences from Jesus' life are used as a basis for each day of the devotional.  This devotional is perfect for Easter, but it also perfect for any time of the year.  As moms, we often struggle to find time to study the Bible.  This book can help.  Each day's reading provides a Scripture and a practical thought for the day.  There is always a question to ask yourself at the end based on the passage for the day.  It would only take a mom about one minute to read the day's devotional.  And then you can spend the rest of your day applying the truth.

It is safe to say that I was completely impressed with the author and this book.  Her simple devotionals were challenging and yet written from the perspective of a real-life mother (she has 7 children, after all!).  I highly recommend this book and plan to keep it as one of many devotionals I read now and then.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, an all opinions are 100 percent mine.


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Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a sought after national and local speaker. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s "Motherhood Matters" blog. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, and Motherhood Matters as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

Website * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Ends 3/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Litfuse Publicity Group: "Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate" by Debora Coty Book Review/Facebook Party

Celebrate the release of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate with Debora Coty by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 7th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Debora Coty Library (Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate, More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed To Be Stressed, and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good thing begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/6/13. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" Facebook Party on 3/7. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)

So grab your copy of Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 7th for an evening of fun. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

Are you ready to strip fear’s power over you and become the confident woman you were meant to be? Have you found that tolerating your personal fear monsters only makes them growl louder?

Okay, sister – take my hand and let’s boldly step up and yank the masks off those shadow-lurking, anxiety-churning, worry-generating beasts.

With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women worn down by everyday fears – financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, the what ifs …

With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL’s along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate!

Purchase a copy here.

Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate: Wit and Wisdom for Sidestepping Life's Worries by Debora M. Coty

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by Debora M. Coty, and all I can say is WOW!  I always enjoyed Christian humorists Barbara Johnson and Patsy Clairmont, and if you like them, you are certain to like this book.  If you have ever experienced fear (and let's be honest--who hasn't), this is a book that will talk to you straight about overcoming it by the grace and intervention of God.  The stories she shares are quite touching, and it was all I could do to hold back my tears many times.  To see the goodness of God and the faith of His people truly brought me to my spiritual needs.

This book is written as a "small group study," and I wouldn't mind studying this book with a group of ladies.  There is a lot of theology in this book, but you will find a lot of humor.  her quotes are either poignant or hilarious.  I just have to share my favorite quote:

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving it not for you!"

I would recommend this book to every woman in the church.  I learned so much, and I plan to go back to this book again and again.  I can hardly wait to read her next book!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She’s also involved in the children’s ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled “Grace Notes: God’s Grace for Everyday Living.”

Follow the entire tour.

Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour: "Grandma How Do You Know God is Real?" by Lorita Kelsey Childress Book Review

About the Book   

Grandma, how do you know God is real? is about a six-and-a-half-year-old girl named Kendra, who spends a few weeks of her summer vacation with her Grandma.

She awakens one bright and sunny morning and asks her Grandma how does she know God is real? Grandma, takes Kendra on an adventure to show her all the reasons as to why she knows God is real.

 Grandma, how do you know God is real? by Lorita Kelsey Childress

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can't tell you how much I love the premise and the beautiful illustrations throughout.  The story is nice, simple, and powerful.  It is the perfect book for a grandmother to share with her granddaughter.

While I absolutely love the message in the book, I have one thing I wish were different.  This book seems to depict that only women and girls are true Christians and go to church.  I was disappointed in the response of the grandfather, and I would have liked to have seen that developed more.  I realize and appreciate that his generation would have seen it as the wife's place to go to church and the husband's to stay home.  After all, he is the breadwinner who worked all week to provide for his family.  I don't mind his voicing his opinion, but it almost makes light of it.  I know this is a small thing, but it is just something I would have liked to have seen handled differently, especially since it is a children's books.  But I certainly can't complain with the theology presented in the book!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

About The Author

Lorita Kelsey Childress lives with her husband David, in Northern CA.  She has three daughters and a granddaughter. Lorita’s first novel The Turning Point of Lila Louise was published in May 2010. December 2012, she published her first children’s book titled, Grandma, how do you know God is real? She is a member of Sistahs on the Reading Edge book club. Lorita’s work is featured in Gumbo for the Soul; The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community and Gumbo for the Soul; Women of Honor Special Pink Edition. Her latest work is featured in Suspect; A Confessional Anthology.  Her poem Our History is Rich was featured in the January/March 2010 edition of Kontagious Magazine.  She is currently working on her second novel.

Visit the Author on line at:

Author website:   www.loritawrites4u.com

Email Address: loritachildress@yahoo.com

Connect with Lorita

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lkchildress?ref=ts&fref=ts

Purchase the book on line at:

Amazon ordering:  http://www.amazon.com/Grandma-how-you-know-real/dp/0615677975/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357369092&sr=1-4&keywords=lorita+childress

Author website:   www.loritawrites4u.com

Visit the blog tour schedule at: http://wnlbooktours.com/

Litfuse Publicity Group: "Unbreakable" by Nancy Mehl Book Review/Launch Party

Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books one & two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the "Unbreakable" Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.

Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope’s safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can’t help but question what she’s always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that’s always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

Purchase a copy here.

Read an excerpt here.

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.” Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com or her blog. She is also active on Facebook.

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Nancy Mehl's second installment in this Mennonite series, but I have to admit that I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped.  Don't get me wrong--she still had the suspense, the romance, and the wonderful celebration of the Mennonite faith.  But I was not nearly as drawn into this book as I was the first.

Like the first, it began rather slowly, but the romance story and the unsettling suspense did capture my attention.  I was not as interested in Hope as I had been Lizzie (glad Lizzie was still in this one), but I did wonder whom she would marry.  All I will say is that Hope did not disappoint me.  No spoilers as to the romance outcome.

One thing I had appreciated in the first book was the way in which the Christian faith had been woven so expertly into the story.  For me, that was not nearly as strong in this book.  Yes, the Christian message was there, but I didn't feel it was as focused.

Not to be completely critical, I will say it followed the normal form of the first book.  It started off slowly and it escalated to a high within the last portion of the book.  The charm of the Mennonite community were expertly captured in this fine book, but I much prefer the first book's story to this one.  Just my opinion.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

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"Spiritual GPS God Promised Solutions" by Oliver T. Reid Review

Read more about the book.

Spiritual GPS (GOD PROMISED SOLUTIONS): DAILY QUOTES TO NAVIGATE THROUGH LIFE'S HIGHWAY Volume 1 by Oliver T. Reid

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise behind this book is absolutely fantastic, in my opinion.  I was completely enraptured with the introduction since the author included so many Scriptures and very common sense insight into the spiritual walk.  I also like the fact that the book is broken down into bite-sized pieces with room for a personal response to each quotation.  This is a wonderful set-up for a quick, daily devotional, and I think that there is a place for more books like this in the Christian marketplace.

I would give this a 3.5 rating because there were a couple things that I felt could be improved upon.  While these are merely personal preferences, I felt I would have gotten more out of the book if a couple things had been changed.

First of all, I would have liked to have seen a Scriptural reference for each and every quotations.  To the author's credit, the quotations are full of solid theology told in a very clever, memorable fashion.  I appreciated the copious amount of Scripture references in the introduction and the conclusion.  There were some Scriptures referenced with a few of the quotes, but it would have meant more to me if there had been one for each of them.

Secondly, I would appreciated more varied reflection questions after each of the quotes.  I grew tired of seeing the same questions after each quote.  I loved the idea and set-up of the journal, but I would have loved to have seen more in-depth and specific questions.  I suppose that is due to my great love of Bible study and going in depth with the Word, I appreciate when authors leave deep questions to ponder.  I would say that if one is new to Bible study, the questions would be good, but I still think they could have been varied.

Finally, and this is just a personal thing of mine, I think that exclamation points were overused.  That may sound funny, but this is a problem with which I struggle.  If I am not paying attention, I use way too many exclamation points in my writing, and it reduces the impact of these vital punctuation marks.  This is just a minor thing, but I thought I would at least mention it.

I do think that the subject of the book is fantastic, and the structure is extremely clever.  I would love to see this expanded and expounded.  The author is a skilled author with tremendous insight, and I believe that his books contain real theology that the average person can use.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour: "Spiritual GPS God Promised Solutions" by Oliver T. Reid Promo

Read my review.

About The Book

Spiritual GPS is dedicated to the masses that found themselves paralyzed at life’s intersections and crossroads. This book is committed to those who are in desperate need for God’s direction each and every day of your life. To the one that has lost their way this book is devoted to you. To the one that can’t see God’s promises because of life’s obstructions this book is designed with you in mind.
If you have ever faced a problem that appeared to be bigger than the solution this book is handcrafted by God for you. If you have endeavored to hear the simple words you can this book is for you.
Spiritual GPS is tailored to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. This book caters to individuals who dare to dream and live on the cutting edge of their next level. Spiritual GPS is focused on allowing you to concentrate on godly solutions instead of the equations.

About The Author

Apostle Oliver T. Reid, called into the ministry in his youth, is a powerfully anointed and dynamic man of God.  Known to be a remnant preacher and a testament to these times, Apostle Reid flows with a global prophetic mandate with God’s signs and wonders following.  A man of many gifts and talents, he walks in the office of Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist and Teacher, and most affectionately knows him as “Apostle.”  As a trailblazer, stalwart, and international apostle Reid has a passion to see the body restored, sinner’s saved, and broken hearts mended.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Apostle Reid is happily married to Miatta Reid and a proud father. He is a graduate of Winston Salem State University with a BA/BS degree in History and Sociology. Apostle Reid obtained a Bachelors as well as a Master’s Degree in Theology from Life Christian University. He is presently in pursuit of his Doctor of Ministry in Theology degree from Life Christian University.  

Connect with Oliver:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otrministriesint?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter:

Email: otrbooking@gmail.com

Author website: http://www.otrministries.com/

Links to purchase the book

Amazon

 http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-GPS-GOD-PROMISED-SOLUTIONS/dp/148111249X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357367850&sr=1-2&keywords=oliver+reid

Tour schedule:  http://wnlbooktours.com/?page_id=456

"To Be Perfectly Honest" by Phil Callaway Book Review

Summary (from goodreads):
Would I Lie to You? Not This Year. 

Veteran author and speaker Phil Callaway is no stranger to daunting challenges. He has been laughed at—repeatedly—by large crowds of people from Halifax to Hong Kong. He fathered three children in three years, spent much of last year on airplanes built by the lowest bidder, and flipped an out-of-control ATV, which doesn’t mean he sold it for a profit. So who better than Phil Callaway to boldly accept a challenge that would make the average person run and hide? 

Phil promised to tell the truth for an entire year, and he wasn’t joking. Twelve months later, his journal was crammed with successes, near-successes, and outright failures. During his year-long experiment with veracity, he made a disastrous financial investment, fielded hundreds of intrusive questions from friends and strangers, attended a thirty-year class reunion, and waded into possibly the most revealing—and hilarious—situations he has ever documented. 

Find out what happens when a follower of Jesus does his level best toalways tell the truth. There is no doubt you’ll be entertained. But don’t be surprised if you are left with a question: how might your life be changed if you sold out to the truth—with no exceptions?


To Be Perfectly Honest: One Man's Year of Almost Living Truthfully Could Change Your Life. No Lie. by Phil Callaway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to admit that I found this book quite refreshing and funny.  Imagine challenging yourself to not tell a lie for an entire year.  Talk about your hard things to do!  We tell so many lies, and isn't that how comedians make their living?  I was impressed with Phil Callaway and his writing style, not to mention the fact that he actually took the assignment seriously.  I found myself sympathizing and seeing myself many times throughout the book.  I found myself thinking about all the lies I tell without thinking about it.  I think you will find this a delightful book, and it is a moment to just take a deep breath and truly think about your spiritual life.  But don't worry.  You'll do it with a smile on your face!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

"Reasons for Hatred" by J.E. Thomas Book Review

Reasons for Hatred: A Story Based on True Events by J E Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, do not let the brevity of this book cause you to think that it is not a powerful, masterfully-written story.  It is all that and more.  Enter into the reading of this story with the proper mindset, and I believe it can be a life-changing story for you.  I highly recommend it to adults.  I would not feel comfortable recommending it to a young teen due to the content of the book.  There were many times it was hard to read, and I had to take a break from reading here and there.  However, the book drew me in, and I was compelled to finish it.  There is no profanity, and the plan of salvation is presented in a wonderful way.

Rarely does a book bring me to tears, and this would have been the last book I would have expected to do this.  But it did as I finished the last few pages, and I could have cared less that I was in a classroom full of teenagers.  Although I already knew the principles in the book, I was reminded and convicted of things in my life that need to be committed to the Lord.  I hope I never find myself saying that my lot inlife is horrible or too hard.  May God then remind me of Hadassah's story.

By the way, I think sharing the story with your child may be appropriate, but letting them loose with the book may prove too intense and difficult for them to read.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100% mine.


View all my reviews

For more information about this book and to follow the tour, click here.

"Unglued Devotional" by Lysa Terkeurst Book Review

This companion devotional to the bestselling book Unglued provides encouragement to help readers handle emotional struggles. Including a daily opening Scripture, Thought for the Day, devotion, and closing prayer, this book helps readers begin a 60-day journey in learning to positively process raw emotions, such as fear, anger, and regret.

At the end of the day, I try to read a devotional.  I do it right before bed, and normally, I look forward to the time.  This year, I didn't have a devotional, and I am pleased to report that Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst has become something I cherish almost as much as getting into bed!  I have done a Bible study by Lysa Terkeurst before, and this devotional is just like those studies.  She is quick and to the point as well as quite relatable.  She shares real stories, and sometimes the devotional cuts me to the quick.  God has spoken through this devotional in marvelous ways, and I find myself looking forward to what she will say.  I have cried, laughed, and been convicted.  I love the fact that it all goes back to Scripture.  And she always ends with prayer.

This is a 60-day devotional that is one of the easiest and best devotionals I have ever read.  This is the ideal gift for any woman in your life (or just for you).

Buy the book here.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Pump Up Your Book: "Your Road to Damascus" by William Y. Higgins Review

About the Author:

The seed for this book was planted many years ago. Bill’s journey down his road to Damascus began as a senior in high school when he had his personal encounter with the risen Lord. Immediately upon graduation from high school he faced his first crossroad when contemplating what to do vocationally. He joined the U.S. Air Force because he really wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. It was while in the service that he began to see how his own internal GPS (God’s Positioning System) was calibrated.

As he began to follow the direction of his internal GPS, other crossroads led him to Biola University and Talbot Seminary where he earned a B.S. and M.A. respectively in Christian Education. Upon graduation, the next three destinations on his journey led to local churches in the U.S. and Canada where he served as a Minister of Christian Education for almost 10 years. These were opportunities to use his organizational, curriculum development, instructional design and classroom facilitation skills. These were delightful years.

Bill faced another crossroad at the last church he served when he resigned and then found himself in his prison years. For four years he traveled a dusty, pothole filled road as he consulted his roadmap. During this time he viewed the world from the prison cell of under-employment. His perspective through the cell bars was as an owner/operator of a commercial janitorial business. These were four tortuous years as he saw one opportunity after another disintegrate. These years gave him the ability to relate to others experiencing the same employment imprisonment.

At the conclusion of these four years, Bill faced another crossroad and selected a new direction in his vocational travels; looking to apply his skills and experience in the business community. He made stops along the way as he worked for about six years in three industry leading organizations as a Director of Training & Development, attaining the position of Vice-President of Corporate Training at one stop.

It was also during this time that he took a parallel road into the field of Career Coaching. He has spent over 20 years working with individuals and small groups as they struggle down their own roads to Damascus and conduct their own job searches.

While continuing as a career coach, where he has worked with over 5,000 clients, Bill also embarked down another path by starting his own consulting business, MindWare Incorporated (www.mindwareincorporated.com). MindWare pulled together the specialties of career coaching, instructional design, and technical writing. IN this capacity, Bill has worked with many Fortune 500 companies as well as numerous smaller organizations of a for-profit and non-profit status.

Bill’s writing experience has been primarily in the area of technical and curriculum writing of a proprietary nature. He has written literally hundreds of technical documents and curriculum courseware. This stop, writing Your Road to Damascus, is his first venture into writing for public consumption.

You can learn more about Bill at www.mindwareincorporated.com under the About Us tab.

About the Book:

The crisis of a job loss is the story of struggling souls hidden behind the walls of the Christian faith. They valiantly forge forward with little in the way of biblical or faith-based instruction.  No one talks much about it. No pastor dedicates a sermon to it. Good luck finding a book about it written from the Christian perspective. For most it’s a difficult time, for many it’s a crisis of faith and life. With nearly 20 million people out of work that claim a Christian affiliation, this is a national crisis of faith.

Your Road to Damascus addresses this issue by presenting biblical strategies and principles, and practical guidelines, on how to conduct an effective job search. It examines in detail biblical strategies and provide pragmatic guidelines for all aspects of a job search. The message of Your Road to Damascus is one of hope, encouragement, renewal, and revival in the midst of the job loss. It boldly proclaims that God is at work and isn't finished yet, and He wants to have a new encounter with the believer through their job search.

Your Road to Damascus will capture your imagination and transform the way you view a job loss. From identifying your GPS (God’s Positioning System), to weaving your resume, to seeing God’s hand in job opportunities and offers, it will revolutionize the way you see God’s involvement in this aspect of your life, as well as how He touches many other crisis points.

Your Road to Damascus: 6 Biblical Secrets for an Effective Job Search by William Y. Higgins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In my lifetime, I have read books that talk about finding your perfect job, creating resumes, and more.  They all have come from a secular viewpoint.  This book fills a niche that has been missing for far too long.  This book tackles the issue of finding a job based on Biblical models.

I appreciated all of the worksheets, inventories, and examples in this book.  I took some of the inventories, and I found that they were much better than the multiple choice ones that try to tell you what your work style or personality is.  The author really makes you think through each part of the job search, and his examples are some of the best ones I have ever seen.

I love the fact that the author continues to refer the Scripture (mainly Paul and Joseph) at practically every step of the way.  He also quotes well-known Christian authors.  He has compiled a book that I think I'm going to hold onto for the next time I find myself going to a job interview.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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Your Road to Damascus Tour Page:

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"Twelve Unlikely Heroes" by John MacArthur Book Review

What kind of people does God use to accomplish His work?

Far from the children’s tales depicted in picture books and nursery rhymes, the men and women highlighted in the Bible were unnervingly real. They faltered. They struggled. And at times, they fell short. Yet God worked through them in surprising and incredible ways to accomplish His purposes. Scripture does not hide their weaknesses, caricature their strengths, or spin their stories as a display of human nobility. Instead, it describes these heroes of the faith with unflinching honesty and delivers an unexpected ending:“God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16).

In Twelve Unlikely Heroes, pastor and best-selling author John MacArthur uses his deep knowledge of the Bible and history to take us back to see these three-dimensional men and women in their own times and cultures. In doing so, it becomes clear how their dramatic stories apply to us today. People who might at first seem foreign quickly become familiar and unforgettable—particularly as they reveal the true Hero behind every witness, the power counterbalancing every weakness, “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1).

Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You by John F. MacArthur

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am familiar with John MacArthur's ministry, but this is probably the first book of his I have ever read.  And I was completely impressed.  This book is Biblically based, rooted in conservative theology.  He introduces us (or reminds us) of twelve very unlikely people in Scripture whom God used to do great things.  You will find yourself reminded and inspired by these stories, and I learned things about Bible characters I had known all my life.  MacArthur has a way of writing that is easy to read but deep and penetrating.  He brings in his love and understanding of Scripture and history, and this book works very well as a devotional/Bible study.  I would highly recommend this book to all people who would like to read an uplifting book for their private (or small group) devotional studies.  I plan to read this book again because there is no way I picked up everything the first time!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Where God Finds You" by Anita Higman Book Tour

n forty devotional tales, Where God Finds You breathes new life into ancient Bible characters. Live with and learn about more than forty Bible men and women, including the wife of Pontius Pilate, Esther, John the Baptist, Delilah, Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene.

Through reflection on Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover a place in each of these lives of vulnerability, tenderness, truth, and love—a place where you can find God . . . and where God finds you.

Where God Finds You is unique among women’s devotional books in that it brings dozens of men and women of the Bible to life through dramatic short stories, connects biblical truths to today’s culture, and offers readers an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned. Each devotion features:

• A dramatic retelling of Scripture that allows the reader to crawl into the pages of the Bible.
• The Story from God's Word: a quote or paraphrase of the applicable Bible passage in a reader-friendly version.
• The Story—From Then to Now: a personal reflection from the author to help link the passage to life today.
• The Story—Questions to Think About: prompts for personal reflection or group discussion that lead to practical application.

My thoughts:  I am so pleased to be able to tell you about this wonderful book!  I am always looking for devotionals because as a busy single mom blogger/teacher, I don't always have time for an in-depth Bible study every single day.  But I don't like to skip days of spending time in God's Word.  I have spent my year going through Tony Dungy's great devotional.  And I am now ready for something new.  Anita Higman has written a fantastic devotional that is easy enough read through, and it will last me at least forty days!  Here is the basic set-up:  

• Bible character tells the story of his/her life in conversational way
• Actual story from the Bible
• Author's devotional thoughts
• Questions to apply the story to your life

I absolutely love the concept of this book, and as I read through portions of the book, I found myself immersed in the story.  This is just the kind of book that I look forward to reading in the new year!  Oh, and by the way, watch out for a giveaway of the book fairly soon.

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

(Full Bio) CBA best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has six books coming out in the next two years. She won a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) and has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston. Her latest coauthored book, Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, was on the Nielsen’s best-seller list for five weeks for religious adult fiction and #6 on the CBA best-seller list for fiction (January, 2011). Anita’s novella in the compilation, Once Upon a Christmas Eve, was given a four-star review in Romantic Times Magazine.

Some of Ms. Higman’s publishers are Guideposts/Summerside Press, Moody, Barbour Publishing, McGraw-Hill, Roman & Littlefield, Lillenas Drama, Abingdon Press, Standard Publishing, Bethany House, and Simon & Schuster/Howard Publishing.

A few of Anita’s books are Love Finds You in Humble Texas, Another Stab at Life, The Celestial Helix, The Love Song (co-authored), Pokeweed and Mrs. Gasp, Who Will I be For the Rest of My Life? (co-authored), and Big Book of Holidays and Holy Days. She also has contributions in twelve nonfiction compilations.

One of Ms. Higman’s co-authored books entitled, A Tribute to Early Texas, has a foreword by Elmer Kelton and has won a San Antonio Conservation Society Citation as well as a Westerners International Book Award. She was named a Favorite New Author in the 15th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and in the 16th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards her co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was one of the winners in the Favorite Contemporary Romance category. Also Anita contributed to an animation script that won a Gold Remi Award.

Her novel, Love Finds You in Humble Texas, was chosen by Crossings Book Club and is now available in hardback and large print editions. Anita and the novel, Love Finds You in Humble Texas were featured on The Harvest Show, a Christian program with eight million regular viewers.

Ms. Higman has won two awards for her contribution to literacy and has raised thousands of dollars for literacy with her book, I Can Be Anything, while serving on the board of directors of Literacy Advance of Houston.

Anita Higman has written for radio, ezine, and advertising. She also cohosts a monthly blogtalkradio show at www.InFaithNetwork.com which is a part of Reader’s Entertainment Radio and reaches an audience of 80,000. She has a BA degree combining speech communication, psychology, and art from Southern Nazarene University, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as The Writer’s View.

Follow her:

http://www.anitahigman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaHigman
https://twitter.com/anitahigman

RABT: "Unleashing God's Power" by Jimi Akanbi

Christian/Non-Fiction

Date Published:11/6/12

An inspirational book for mid level to mature Christians. The book discusses eleven key steps to maximizing the power of God in a Christian's life. The author uses great analogies to connect things of the Spiritual to things of the natural. He also discusses deep uncommon truths about praise, prayer, Holy Spirit and faith. The book is definitely bound to empower and increase a Christian's faith, in turn, experience supernatural results in life.

Links to Buy 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords 

EXCERPT

Chapter 1: Understanding and Strengthening Your Faith in God

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Belief is a by-product of faith. The following is a scenario that will shed light on belief and faith in God. If there is an empty house in front of you and I tell you that the house is owned by someone, although, you have not seen anyone in the house, will you not believe me? Yes, you will and this means you have faith in the law of nature. The law of nature says that every house built is owned by someone, even if not yet purchased, then in this case the builder or the bank owns the property. The same way we must believe and have faith in God.

What does it profit, my bretheren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food

And one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17

It is written, faith without works is dead. Pay close attention to what is being said. Let’s look at an example of how putting your faith to works operates.

If I show you a strange house with a vicious dog barking in it, but you cannot see the dog but can hear its aggressive barks, if I tell you to go into that house, for sure, you will say No.

This shows two things:

1. Although, you cannot see the dog but you can hear it bark means that you believe and have faith that there is a harmful animal in the house. 

2. You have put your faith to works by rejecting to enter the house.

This can be likened to having faith in God and obeying his commandments. That is, the vicious dog can bite or harm us if we enter the house. The attack from the dog is compared to the consequences we will face for disobeying God’s commandments and principles. 

Believing in God’s commandments is likened to believing that the house has a dog in it. That is, we cannot physically see God but we hear his word and commandments which should give us faith in God. 

The same way you did not physically see the dog in the house but you heard its bark.

You not entering the house because you heard the dog’s barks is an act of putting your faith to work. That is, you know the dog is in the house but you cannot and did not see it. The same way you must put your faith to work by not seeing God physically but hearing his word and commandments and obeying them.


Excerpt

Introduction
Remember, when power of God fell on Jesus disciples, and He sent them out to do the work of God’s kingdom, they came back to Him amazed, saying, “Even demons obey us in your name.” Let me say this, Christians have the highest authority ever because the source of our authority is from God, who is omnipotent (all powerful). Our authority is more powerful than that of any government or monarchy in this world. Note we are in this world but not of this world. However, most Christians do not operate at this high level of power due to various factors, including:
* Lack of faith
* Lack of knowledge
* Lack of personally experiencing God
* Lack of time for God.

The power you receive from God can be likened to that of a computer; what you put in is what you get out, or as it is said, you reap what you sow. The more knowledge you have of God the more power you will grow.

Excerpt
Chapter 1: Understanding and Strengthening Your Faith in God
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Belief is a by-product of faith. The following is a scenario that will shed light on belief and faith in God. If there is an empty house in front of you and I tell you that the house is owned by someone, although, you have not seen anyone in the house, will you not believe me? Yes, you will and this means you have faith in the law of nature. The law of nature says that every house built is owned by someone, even if not yet purchased, then in this case the builder or the bank owns the property. The same way we must believe and have faith in God.
What does it profit, my bretheren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food
And one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17
It is written, faith without works is dead. Pay close attention to what is being said. Let’s look at an example of how putting your faith to works operates.
If I show you a strange house with a vicious dog barking in it, but you cannot see the dog but can hear its aggressive barks, if I tell you to go into that house, for sure, you will say No.


This shows two things:
1. Although, you cannot see the dog but you can hear it bark means that you believe and have faith that there is a harmful animal in the house.
2. You have put your faith to works by rejecting to enter the house.
This can be likened to having faith in God and obeying his commandments. That is, the vicious dog can bite or harm us if we enter the house. The attack from the dog is compared to the consequences we will face for disobeying God’s commandments and principles.
Believing in God’s commandments is likened to believing that the house has a dog in it. That is, we cannot physically see God but we hear his word and commandments which should give us faith in God.
The same way you did not physically see the dog in the house but you heard its bark.
You not entering the house because you heard the dog’s barks is an act of putting your faith to work. That is, you know the dog is in the house but you cannot and did not see it. The same way you must put your faith to work by not seeing God physically but hearing his word and commandments and obeying them.

I am Jimi Akanbi. I am a Christian nonfiction author, who is sold out to God. I live in Atlanta, Georgia USA. I have an MBA in Finance from Mercer University, Atlanta Georgia. I am currently an active member of the prayer and intercessory team at my church. I have also served God as an usher and protocol officer at my previous church. I have undergone a formal ten week bible training course. My interests include writing, counseling, ministry, movies, sports, music and more. I was miraculously called by God to be in the writing ministry, and I am acting in obedience.

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This sounds like a book I would like to read, and hopefully you will, too.