Amazing Days of Grace - John Barton

Amazing Days of Grace: God's Blessings through Difficult Afflictions and Unusual Disabilities by John Barton is a well-written book of inspiration and encouragement to all, but especially to those who are suffering unexpected trials with health issues. In this book, Barton shares his transformation journey with God following his diagnosis of Stage 4 tongue cancer.

Mr. Barton faces challenges that few can imagine but he has learned to manage a full life while making adjustments as needed. His wife, family, and friends have certainly played a vital role, but what shines brightly is his faith in and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. The reminder that even in our weakest moments, we gain our strength in Christ, is the clear message of the book. Barton encourages the reader to not give up and that we still are to run the race given us to reach the goal of hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement and hope. His joy in the Lord is evident and his accomplishments will lead you to face and rise above your own disabilities, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual. Trust God and step out in faith.

LINKS:
AMAZON - Buy Book

BARNES & NOBLE - Buy Book

John T. Barton website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Barton is a follower of Jesus Christ, is originally from Starkville, Mississippi, and has lived in the Memphis suburb of Collierville, Tennessee, for twenty-seven years. He has served in several lay leadership and service roles in churches, including teacher, small group leader, deacon, treasurer, and elder. As a survivor of stage four tongue cancer, he deals with unusual disabilities daily. John has been married to Candy for thirty-seven years, and they are blessed to have three adult children and two daughters-in-law. John enjoys retirement and having more time to do the things he loves most: visiting family and friends, studying God's Word, journalling, walking, serving in church, reading, writing, and encouraging others.

*I received a copy of the book from the author at no cost to myself or compensation and with no promise or expectation of a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back

Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds—figuratively and literally—and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them. (publisher)

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters takes a look at many things that women (and men) struggle with that puts a roadblock on their relationship with Jesus and fulfilling the plan God has for them. Just like with "The Parable of the Talents" (Matthew 25:14-30), God expects you to do something with the gifts/talents He has equipped you with instead of hiding in fear. It is easy to curl up under the covers, but Life is to be experienced and shared with others.

Both Bolton & Ditchfield have had times of wanting to stay in bed and avoid Life, and have had several struggles that were sometimes overwhelming, yet both have learned practical ways to get up and get moving forward. A good sense of humor is the best way to start and these women know how to laugh at themselves and bring joy to others. In fact, Martha Bolton has written comedy for such cherished humorists at Bob Hope and Chonda Pierce, as well as writing or co-writiing over 7 dozen books of humor and inspiration. Ditchfield, an author, speaker, and host of "Take it to Heart!" loves to inspire women to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and a life of passion and purpose.

This is not a book aimed for people who are in need of professional help. The intent of the book is to encourage women to get up and get living a full life. Sometimes all you need is a giggle or a smile to reignite your passion for life. This is perfect for you or a friend who simply needs a chuckle of encouragement. The chapters are small, so read one for a quick "pick-me-up" or if a small bit of encouragement is all you can handle right now. Sometimes we all have a tendency to want to wallow in our misery for a bit. I know I have to hit rock bottom at times before the need to laugh hits me. Or, you may be in bed for a legitmate cause, and need to know there is hope. Bottom line is that I enjoyed the book and appreciated their candor and laughter.

I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are strictly my own. 

41 Will Come by Chuck Tate

40 is a significant number in the Bible. During the time of Noah, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Goliath taunted the Israelite army for 40 days. Moses spent 40 years in Egypt and then, with the Israelites, wandered in the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Jonah, Elijah, and others all had their “40." But what happens next--- 41 ---- is significant. When we are focused on our struggle, our personal 40, we may forget about the victory that follows. In “41 Will Come,” author and pastor Chuck Tate reminds us of the promise that God will come through for you. He, in his seven keys, offers hope and encouragement to those feeling overwhelmed. This is the debut book for Chuck Tate, who was the winner of the 2015 Tyndale Momentum/Re:Write and the Ragged Edge Contest.

Hear the 1st Chapter read by Pastor Chuck:

41 Will Come: Holding On When Life Gets Tough--and Standing Strong Until a New Day Dawns is filled with stories, both Biblical and personal, that will bring encouragement, especially if you are losing hope during a personal time of 40. I did not know what to expect when I agreed to read the book, but I am so glad that I did. I was not going through a particularly discouraging time, but a frustrating time. These many reminders that 41 DOES Come both lifted my spirit and served as a reminder of many other 41 moments in my life.

The 7 keys Tate writes about are the following:

• Know your enemy
• Know your cause
• Smash fear in the mouth
• Shake off doubts and doubters
• Prepare in order to receive a payoff
• Word up
• Attack  

His explanations of each will bring a greater depth of understanding. Some of the stories he tells are moving, and some made me laugh. I am glad this book was written and will recommend it to others.

I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network Review 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

#BeMore by Sandi Krakowski

"BEMORE: 77 Secrets To Your Powerful Life” offers inspiration and insight on how to become more connected to God, in tune with yourself, attentive to relationships, engaged with your community and mindful of your world. The #BEMORE life is about taking very critical steps in our day-to-day decisions and being acutely aware of who we are becoming, above all things.

Imagine a world where people are no longer focused on what they do, what they have or where they go. Instead, they would be more concerned with who they become. Sandi Krakowski, popular social media influencer and author, is on a mission to create just that through the #BEMORE movement, empowering people to overcome adversity and tap into all God has created them to be. (from the publisher)

My Review: I guess this would be considered more of a devotional style book since it is not one you just pick up and read. It's divided onto 5 parts:

• Part 1: Be More...Connected To God
• Part 2: Be More...In Tune With Yourself
• Part 3: Be More...Attentive To Your Relationships
• Part 4: Be More...Engaged With Your Community
• Part 5: Be More...Mindful Of Your World

There's a little more than a page written on each 'Secret' to a more powerful life, and each one ends with a saying that is suitable for sharing on Twitter or Facebook, ending with #BeMore.

There are a lot of people who will love this book. I get a little frustrated with sound bites over a more indepth study, so it's not really the book for me. I see a lot of people who tweet or do a quick FB status update meant to encourage, and have even done so myself, so it would be useful to grab something to reflect on for the day. But, I confess, I was disappointed that it seemed to be more style than substance.

I received a copy of this book from Shelton Interactive in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sandi Krakowski is a social media marketing expert and sought-out speaker who is passionate about teaching how faith works in the workplace, and how that alliance can effectively help anyone run a successful business and lead an incredible, meaningful life. Her systems help small-business owners and big corporations alike utilize the online space and social media for brand awareness, company growth and client loyalty. Krakowski has worked successfully online for nearly 20 years, has built 11 successful companies and accumulated a social media audience of over one million followers. As a successful business woman and veteran in the field, Krakowski has shared her message of hope and business inspiration in national news outlets such as CNBC, Mashable, USA Today and more. Krakowski enjoys spending time with her husband of 23 years, three kids, her favorite dog and two cats. She currently lives in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, please visit www.arealchange.com.