HOME—THE SENSATION OF BELONGING

Friday, June 30, 2017

ALMOST THERE
Searching for Home in a 
Life on the Move
By Bekah DiFelice

OVERVIEW: ALMOST THERE  answers the question "Is it possible to build a permanent sense of home in a rootless life?" The impermanence of home tends to be one of life's most recurring surprises. If home is where the heart is, what can we love that will quiet the restlessness within? Take heart. You aren't adrift after all. When our hope of home is rooted in an unchangeable God, we are not uprooted, lost, or made homeless by change. We become found ones on the move.

AUTHOR: Bekah DiFelice is a writer, wife to a former Marine, and mom to two kids. In Almost There, Bekah shares her story of discovering pieces of home in the most unexpected places. With imaginative storytelling and witty, relatable prose, Bekah offers wisdom for those struggling to belong in a world where home is constantly shifting. 

MY REVIEW: If you are an older, more mature adult you will find yourself nodding in agreement with Bekah DiFelice from the first chapter to the last. Memories. We all have them. We know what it's like to feel adrift. And we know what it's like to belong. If you are young and searching for a home in a life on the move. This book is for you. I agree with author, Jen Pollock Michel, "Almost There reads like a long-awaited letter from a long lost friend. It's immersive, as the best kind of storytelling should be. It's honest and warm, as the best kinds of friends are. DiFelice writes about home as it's lived and lost and loved. Her book is a rewarding read."

DiFelice wrote, "It was in the desert that I realized I was far from home." Maybe you have never been to the desert but you have always felt adrift. Going somewhere. But never arriving. You will find help in this book. Author, Dana Yeakley says, "Bekah enlists us to share in her inmost responses of faith. Her story is an enjoyable read that touches the deep places of faith many young women experience."

(I received this book from Tyndale Publishing Company in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

LIVING GENEROUSLY—A LIFE OF ADVENTURE AND RISK

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

GIVING IT ALL AWAY...And Getting 
It All Back Again
David Green with Bill High

OVERVIEW: David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, says true wealth is based on faith, strong family, and generous living. This is his story and more. It is his best advice in print. In it he shares principles that have guided him in growing a business from scratch, weathering a Supreme Court case, raising a loving family, and leaving them a lasting legacy.The decisions you make today build the legacy you'll leave behind. Now is the time to begin.

AUTHORS: David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby and an in-demand speaker at business and leadership events. he serves on the Board of Reference for Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a recipient of the World Changer and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. He and his wife, Barbara, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter, grandparents to ten, and great-grandparents to eleven. Bill High practiced law for twelve years before becoming the CEO of the National Christian Foundation Heartland. His mission is to change the way people think about generosity and their practice of it. He is married to Brooke, and they have four children, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren. He can be found at billhigh.com.

MY REVIEW: "In this book—part memoir, part personal manifesto—David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, shares lessons that can help you reap benefits for multiple generations. Dr. David Jeremiah, founder and president, Turning Point Ministries wrote, "Because of his faith and generosity, David Green has changed the world. His love and friendship have changed our ministry. His story will change your walk with God." Bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio show host said, "If you want to be smart, you find out what smart people do and imitate that. and I've known David Green long enough to understand that he is worth imitating. His business wisdom is surpassed only by his integrity and faith. This book reflects David at his very best.

I love the title and sub-title of this book: Giving It All Away...And Getting It All Back Again---The Way of Living Generously. What a challenge! This splendid book has five parts and an epilogue. Part 1: A Radical Way Of Living, Part 2: It's All God's, Part 3: Giving It All Away, Part 4: The Legacy Of Work And Family, Part 5: The Eternal Legacy That Is Right Now.

This is a small book. It is well written and easy to read. You will find it hard to put down. This is the kind of book you will enjoy giving to others. It can make a difference in their lives. 

(I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

WHAT'S YOUR LIFE WORTH?

Monday, June 26, 2017

THE BUFFER ZONE DIET
By Fred Cuellar

OVERVIEW: In this groundbreaking book, Fred Cuellar analyzes the scientific underpinnings of why so many of us struggle with weight. He explains the science behind weight loss and weight gain, while debunking several myths about what we should or should not eat or drink. Using himself as a guinea pig, and with much trial and error, he devised a method to lose weight and maintain a healthy body, all without deprivation, hunger, or will power. Now, he's sharing the results of his research with you.

AUTHOR: Fred Cuellar has distinguished himself in various fields. He is one of the world's top diamond experts, a three-time Guinness Book record holder in jewelry design, a consultant to investment and financial firms, and a best-selling author. His clients include the Dallas Cowboys, the Denver Broncos, the Detroit Redwings, plus celebrities associated with Lionsgate and the Rubik's Brand. His personal commitment to making a difference in people's lives has taken him on a journey into the world of obesity, and his discoveries not only saved his life but can save yours.

MY REVIEW: Author, Dr. Nina wrote, "The discovery of The Buffer Zone Diet is a significant achievement and contribution to the field of weight management, and it will be your last stop on your path to weight loss and good health." She said, "your last stop on your path to weight loss and good health." Now, that's quite a statement. It's one that made me want to read and review this book. Dr. John Philip Nesic, MD wrote, "Of all the books about diets out there, The Buffer Zone Diet is the only one I put in the hands of all of my friends, clients, and patients." Another bold statement. I have started my review with these quotes because they are from doctors. I am not a doctor and although I have tried many diets over the years. I am far from an authority on the subject and know no more than the average person about being healthy.

My opinion is that this is a good book for anybody needing to lose weight or interested in improving their health. Is it the best book on the subject? I don't know. You will have to decide. Here are some important sections of the book: *Top Ten Lies We've been told about our diet. * Science between weight loss and weight gain. *How to create nutrient-dense meals to keep physical hunger at bay. *Five distinct blueprints for designing the new and healthiest you. *Strategies for breaking through weight loss plateaus. *And most importantly, the formula that regulates weight for the human body!

The Big Idea of the book is—It's Not Just What You Eat, It's When You Eat. Cuellar is saying, "When you eat can be as important as what you eat." What do you think? Do you need this information? It could save your life.

(I received this book from The Cadence Group in exchange for an fair and honest review)

A JOURNEY THROUGH ANXIETY

Friday, June 09, 2017

ON EDGE
A Journey Through Anxiety
By Andrea Petersen

OVERVIEW: ON EDGE is Andrea Petersen's personal story. It is a fascinating look at the biology of anxiety and the risk factors for anxiety disorders—from overprotective parenting to childhood trauma. She compares psychoactive drugs to non-drug treatments, including biofeedback and CBT. Along the way she surveys the sometimes bizarre treatments for anxiety of past eras. She also explores the role that genetics plays in mental illness, visiting top neuroscientists and tracing her family history—from her grandmother who plagued by paranoia once tried to burn down her own house, to her young daughter in whom Petersen sees shades of herself. And she describes groundbreaking research that could point the way to new treatments—from MRI neuro-feedback to the use of ketamine (also known as the street drug Special K).

AUTHOR: ANDREA PETERSEN is a contributing writer at the Wall Street Journal, where she reports on psychology, health, and neuroscience. She is the recipient of a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and daughter.

MY REVIEW: "One in three Americans will have an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives." I have. And I expect I will again. During my forty-seven years as a preaching minister, I counseled many who were suffering from this disorder. I was pleased to find this book so honest and helpful. I agree with author, Maria Konnikova who wrote: "On Edge is a beautiful, often heartbreaking, often funny, always moving account of what it means to experience a degree of anxiety most of us cannot imagine. Andrea Petersen has crafted an engaging blend of memoir and science that will open your eyes—and heart—to a condition that is usually invisible but deserves a broader spotlight. Truly a must-read for anyone who wants to understand mental illness and the effect it can have on our lives."

As I read through the book I kept coming to story after story that made me say, "I've experienced that. Either in myself or somebody else." In chapter one Petersen defines anxiety and then the next seven chapters brings meaning to that definition with story after story. The last chapter is Learning To Live With Anxiety." This is a book you may need yourself but if not, without a doubt you know somebody who does.

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)