BOOK REVIEW: The Playful and Powerful WARRIOR within YOU, by GJ Reynolds

This is one of those life-changing books that cause you to pause and think, and to realize that no matter where you are in your life, today is a new day and you can start your life anew.  Written from the heart, GJ Reynolds bares his soul to the world, no holds barred.  Wow. That takes the courage of a WARRIOR.

The author told of the lowest point in his life, nearly ten years ago, when he contemplated suicide.  He struggled with events over the next few days that brought him to his knees as he encountered the love and saving grace of God. His deepest secrets had remained hidden to all but the Lord. 

It was interesting (and surprising) to me to read about someone as well educated and successful as the author, to realize that some of his darkest secrets were very similar to many of those of his readers, and certainly some of my own. Reynolds shares his story, along with lessons learned from his mentors over the years, as well as his own action steps to becoming a warrior.

The purpose of his book is to empower his readers to discover and live their goals and dreams, to lead a meaningful life, filled with purpose.  He teaches us to honor ourselves by doing what we know in our soul is best for each of us, that just feels “right”, and causes us to “welcome each day with passion, enthusiasm, and excitement.”

Reynolds’ book generated some restless nights for me, even causing me to awaken and pray, or go to my computer to write as I worked through issues in my own life. It allowed me to focus on what is right for me and to set action goals for both the short term, regaining my health, and the long term, going back to college to finish my doctorate degree. I am excited, and have a new sense of purpose, thanks in great part to GJ Reynolds taking the time and effort to write and share his story, his legacy to his readers. 

The author gives “Warrior Action Steps” and questions at the end of sections that make this book suitable for individual readers or for group sessions.  One of my favorite action steps was learning to stay off someone else’s stage unless invited, and then only to get onstage if you choose to do so.

Thanks, G, for teaching us how to live in the now, to relearn how to play, and to become the warrior that God wants each of his children to become.  I highly recommend this book.

Author Resource:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer. 
Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Redemption by Pamela Nissen

Pamela Nissen has done it yet again by writing the second novel in her series with a book that is hard to put down. She continues to draw the reader into her characters as she brings them to life, with all of their twists and turns.  This story takes place in Boulder, CO, in the late 1800s. We become acquainted with Ben Drake, brother of Joseph and Aaron whom we met her first book, “Rocky Mountain Match”, and it also touches on brother Max, the family outcast.  Ms. Nissen shows us the great compassion of this family, along with romance and intrigue. She has a gift for intertwining and revealing God's everlasting  love for us, and of His forgiving grace. I can hardly wait to read her third book,  “Rocky Mountain Proposal” which is scheduled for publication in May 2011. I highly recommend Pamela Nissen’s books.

Book Review, Rocky Mountain Match by Pamela Nissen

Pamela Nissen grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps it throughout the entire book. This book shows her love of God and family, which I know first-hand to be true.  She is a delightful lady, warm and caring, and she has written a wonderful love story, intertwined with mystery and suspense.  Set in the Colorado mountains in the late 1800s, her characters come to life with an historical flair.  I highly recommend this book.  Ms. Nissen is a gifted writer, and I am eager to begin her second novel in this series, entitled Rocky Mountain Redemption.

"Let Go" by Sheila Walsh

My initial thoughts when beginning to read this book were wondering how a beautiful and talented woman like Sheila Walsh could ever suffer from depression. But she captures us from the beginning and tells us brief segments of her life and of her family. In so doing, she becomes like so many of us, doing the best we can and searching for a better life.

Ms. Walsh leads us on an inspirational path to bring those of us who have gotten lost along the way, back to God. She also helps us to keep Satan at bay, for he was defeated by Christ, and how to pray for our children and bring them back to God. She teaches us to “Let Go” and trust in the Lord, and to build our hope on Christ. She shows us how times can be so dark during a bout of extreme depression, but how our trust in Christ can pull us through and out of the darkness and back into the light.

A passage that I especially enjoyed was when she said that, “Jesus never minimized sin, but he separated the sinner from the sin that had a hold on her. This means he might not like what you do, but he absolutely, unconditionally adores you yourself.” She also mentions that, “No one on this planet has to eat alone because Jesus has a table for two with each of our names on it.” As a single woman, I find comfort in knowing that I am not eating alone, but sitting at the table with the one who lives me totally and unconditionally.

Sheila Walsh has a lot to tell you and I recommend that you buy her book and learn how to “Let Go.”

"Let Go", by Sheila Walsh, Thomas Nelson, Publisher, Nashville, TN USA, as reviewed by Diana Shores

FEARLESS: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

The turning of each new page presents the reader with a new lesson in life from Max Lucado. “Fear will always knock on your door. Just don’t invite it in for dinner. And for heaven’s sake, don’t offer it a bed for the night.”

I think I have more flags on the pages of this book than in any other. Lucado is a great storyteller. He brings Bible stories to life and presents us with reasons why we should not be afraid. “…fear feels dreadful. It sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.” Haven’t we all felt this way at some point in our lives? Sadly, some of us remain in that state. “Fear mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding. Since we’ve all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness. We avoid contact with God.”

But we’re not as far away from God as we might think. God never abandons us. “Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40 NIV).

I loved the story about his ride on a Top Gun flight. He imparts a sense of humor into his lessons, and I chuckled throughout this story.

Lucado offers us eight worry-stoppers for daily living. He also talks about what fear does to parents and to their children. He compares the pain of parenting to the pain of God himself as a father. But he also offers us courage and hope, and encourages us to keeping praying and giving our children to God. “Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith and your fears will.”

This book is easy to read, yet full of wisdom and teachings. It can be read by a sole reader, or used for group lessons. It is a keeper, and highly recommended.

FEARLESS: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado, 2009 Thomas Nelson, Publisher, Nashville, TN USA as reviewed by Diana Shores

Book Review: "The Hole in Our Gospel: The answer that changed my life and might just change the world." by Richard Stearns

When I first started to read this book, I thought it was going to be some sort of Bible study. Perhaps in a way it is, but it is more a call to action than just something to read and ponder. Richard Stearns presents this hole in our gospel, but before he does, he tells us about his life, his journey from a troubled childhood (son of an alcoholic, neither of his parents had gone to high school, father married and divorced three times) to becoming the CEO of a major corporation… the “good life”. He then continues to explain how he became a Christian and submitted his life to God. It never occurred to him that God might have a totally different life plan ahead for him. This book reveals how he struggled with the decision to follow his life’s calling to become the CEO of World Vision. Stearns captured me right in the beginning as he told “his” story, and I would have been satisfied for him to have stopped right there and felt that he had written a grand book. But that was only the beginning of even better things to come.

Let the reader beware… this book is a call for action. As I became caught up in his work with those less fortunate in our world, I began to realize how interconnected we really are, and how each of us needs to step up to the plate and do something that will help all the struggling, dying people [think of the children] throughout the world. Imagine having to walk hours each day to bring water back for your family. And that the water you bring back is dirty and makes the family sick, where 30% of the children die before the age of five. It is time now to make things happen, to engage with the poor, and to change the world for the better.

For me, this was not a “quick read”, as I lingered over his words, and felt his call to action. Once you read this book, you will suddenly look around and see things in a totally different light. We can no longer ignore the plight of others who are so desperate for our help. What does God expect of us? Twelve men changed the world 2000 years ago. We can change the world today.

As an added note, "At author's request, all royalties due to the author will benefit World Visions' work with children in need."

“Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary” ---St. Francis of Assisi

I was in Assisi three years ago. I walked the narrow, hilly streets of his village, toured his church, and viewed his resting place. Richard Stearns teaches us in “The Hole in Our Gospel” that we preach the gospel through our actions. This book is a winner.

"The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, Thomas Nelson, Publisher, Nashville, TN USA, as reviewed by Diana Shores

Book Review: "Surrender All". Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power & Purpose, by Joni Lamb

I suppose many of us want to live our lives with peace, power and purpose, but we were not quite sure how to find these qualities, until now. In “Surrender All”, Joni Lamb shows readers that no matter what their background, they can achieve all of this if they will truly follow the path to surrender.

Joni Lamb speaks not only “to” the heart, but speaks “from” the heart as well. Her kindness and sincerity are revealed throughout her book, and you feel yourself being drawn into the love she extends to others. She shows us that we need to be patient while we are waiting for God to show us the way that He has for us, and that He will reveal His plan to us in His time, not in our time. We need to trust and wait. She explains how God puts dreams and desires in our hearts, so we will be ready to achieve those goals when the time is right.

The author gives us what she calls the ABCs of writing our own prayer of surrender. Although she encourages readers to write this prayer in their own words, she gives some excellent suggestions. Joni also reminds us that we need to surrender again and again, because life is full of challenges and is never smooth.

Joni assures us that wherever we are, no matter our past, that God will hear us if we reach out to Him. She tells us that if we want to get away from God, we are the ones who have to let go because God never will. Throughout the book Joni uses amazing real life examples of people’s experiences, some of whom have had really traumatic backgrounds, yet found their lives transformed once they truly made the commitment to surrender to God.

This is a powerful book, yet it is written in a soft, gentle style, the style of Joni Lamb. At the end of the book, she offers a prayer for us as she gently leads us down the path of surrender. I highly recommend this book as one that can transform your life.

“Surrender All” by Joni Lamb, Waterbook Press, Colorado Springs, CO USA., div. of Random House, Inc., as reviewed by Diana Shores.

Book Review: The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

As children, we thrive in an environment of stability with the love and guidance of our parents. We eagerly look forward to finding our most desired presents under the tree on Christmas morning. But what happens if our father is suddenly taken from us, leaving us somewhat destitute ... with mother struggling to make ends meet? Stability is suddenly cast aside as we try to make sense of what is happening. Christmas looks very bleak, but we still wish for a miracle so we can receive the gift of our dreams. And the Christmas sweater? Our dream? What a disappointment. And yet what would happen if our mother is suddenly taken from us as well? What kind of life will we have now? "The Christmas Sweater", by Glenn Beck, is his true story... the turmoil he lived through, and the struggles he encountered. And just who was Russell, anyway? This book will wrap itself around your heart and cause you to ponder at what is really important in our lives.

"The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck Threshold Editions, Div. of Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews has written a book that, once read, will change your life forever. His book is short and easy to read, but full of wisdom. Once started, I could not put the book down. "Jones" transforms people’s lives in a way that impacts our own lives and gives us insight and direction as to how we can become better people. He states that "every one of us is always in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or headed for a crisis." And to think we would like to believe that after coming out of a crisis that it will be the last one.

Who was this "Jones" character anyway? Was he Jesus? Does he walk among us? After reading this book I wish that he did. The seeds that he plants in our minds help us to realize that who we are makes a difference. He tells us that we are here on this planet for a reason, and will remain here until our mission is done. He explains how to strive to become more caring and to "notice" more about those around us. He also shows us how we can help to improve their lives. This, in turn, improves our own. Don't miss this book. Make sure you have a copy on your bookshelf. Better yet, buy a copy for your entire family.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville
as reviewed by Diana Shores