The Secret Society of Success: Stop Chasing the Spotlight and Learn to Enjoy Your Work (and Life) Again by Tim Schurrer Book Review

 

In The Secret Society of Success, Tim Schurrer has a major goal in redefining what success is. Many of us believe that recognition, money, fame, and power will make us truly successful in life. We catch after false ideas of what will make us happier. There has been studies completed that show that it is causing us more anxiety, depression, frustration, and leaving us exhausted. In the book, he shared how he wanted to move into a million dollar home just for the real where other would think that he was in face very successful. He introduced the spotlight mindset and he defined it as a how we believe that in order to be successful the only thing that matters is seeking the praise, attention, and fame. This is an unhealthy expectation for our desire to received the recognition. 

One of my favorite lessons in the book discussed lobsters and how when they are in the water tank. They have rubber bands on their claws to keep them safe from each other not from customers. Lobsters are in a fight to survive and they like to be dominant. This is true in how they mate the woman are drawn to them. He compares people to lobsters and how we like to leverage our own power to be above others. He compared it to a scorecard and for humans it’s money and status. We love to rank and compare our followers and likes with others. He explained how instead we need to focus on relationships with others. 

He shared how he had a dream to become the next John Mayer. He wrote his first song at the age of 18 years old. He recorded and made some albums and they were released on iTunes. He tried his best to grow his music. He made a few friends in the music business and even went on a tour. He admitted to how he compared himself to him and he felt rejected when his merchandise and CD’s would sell out more. At the time, he thought success was fame. He had to tap into a new approach on life and success and discover how he could find true happiness. We must remember that we don’t have to beat anyone to win in life. 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone is struggling with success and wondering why they aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. There are tons of beneficial principles in this book regarding success. It was life changing to realize that we won’t ever receive the recognition that we crave. People most of the time won’t even know what we did and some could honestly care less. I liked how he explained this in detail and how this affects our value. We experience burn out and wonder what’s next for us. He revealed how powerful it is when we receive a thank you would make the world of a difference. He introduced a concept of a simple shout of praise that could change things. I liked how he suggested readers to turn inward and to find their own motivation and to feel the good from their own work. The entire concept of employers recognizing their employees for their work that might even be going unnoticed could change business in the future. Appreciate could help employees from searching for a new opportunity. This book is very beneficial for the secret society and you can be a part of this special group. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Society-Success-Chasing-Spotlight-ebook/dp/B09832RNSR/ 

Collecting Confidence: Start Where You Are to Become the Person You Were Meant to Be by Kim Gravel Book Review

In Collecting Confidence, Kim Gravel has written a brand new book to assist readers into realizing how magnificent they really are. In the book, she shared her story about how she was former Miss Georgia pageant winner at the young age of nineteen. She stated how comparison is the ultimate confidence killer and how she dealt with that struggle in her competition. She went on to try out for Miss America and lost. She lost her confidence. She failed to see that she still had talent and felt like she failed. She started singing in night clubs and begin dating a man and eventually married him. The marriage was rough and it ended after two years. During this time, she was able to connect more deeply with God and she had to rely on Him to provide. She had to take a calculator to the store to check the prices. She was able to recognize that all of her past failures prepared her for where she was going. She reminded readers that they are who they are because God designed them and they are fearfully and wonderfully made. She explained how we don’t have to catch our calling and we are where we are meant to be. She went on to share how she got a job at WATC and how fitting that it was only two blocks from her apartment. She was able to be on a talk show called Friends & Neighbors for ten years. She also shared how she recorded a few albums and how she met her future husband. She is a host on QVC and has a beauty line called, Belle and a life coach. She also got an opportunity to be a guest on Steve Harvey. 


I would recommend this inspiring book to anyone who needs a confidence boost and they are needing a little guidance on stepping into their calling. This book will help readers to become real and authentic. One of my favorite things was how she discussed signs and how we have to look around to see them. She reminded us that we are where we are supposed to be for a reason even if we don’t know why. We can learn to let control of our control, which we never really have. I also liked she discussed how titles and degrees don’t make us who we are. She stated how important it is to not put ourselves on sale and don’t allow the world to determine our value. She created a special 11 ways to be authentic. I loved the section on the power of I am and how we must be careful with what follows them. 



I received this book free from Nelson Books for my honest review.”
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400238455 

 

I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward by Chuck Elliott and Ashley Elliott Book Review

I Used to Be ___, Chuck and Ashley Elliott have written a book detailing ways in which we can deal in a healthy way with the used to be and navigate through your grief. Chuck is a pastor and Ashley is a Christian counselor. In the book, they shared how they used to be expecting a child in 2015, 2016, and 2017. They experience three miscarriages three years in a row. They explained how they worshipped, felt devastated, and faced traumatic experiences in the hospital. She shared how she wondered if God even cared about her pain and she questioned His silence. In the book, they also revealed Chuck’s struggled with porn and how it affects their relationship. They walked readers through how to process grief and unmet expectations. They encouraged readers to be present in their thoughts. They had a helpful chart showing positive thoughts and negative and how it all links up in the grief process. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is struggling with lost and grief and they are needing some guidance through it. No one gets through life not experiencing some sort of lost. Either a loved one, job, marriage, or dream. I connected with how they explored how they dealt with their own hurts and devastations and how they tried to encourage others through the pain. This book contains helpful tools to put into practice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I received this book free from Revell for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Used-Be-___-Navigate-Forward-ebook/dp/B0BLW9GC8T/

Win over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar with the One Who Overcomes by Keri Eichberger Book Review

In Win Over Worry, Keri Eichberger shared ways in which we can overcome our fears and worries and seek God and His power and assistance. Everyone has at some point in their life has had to deal with worrying. She compares worry to a leaky faucet that won’t quit dripping away despite everything you do to try and fix it. She openly shared how she personal battled flying and the fear of it. She has had to reply on Valium just to make it through. She explained how she has battled worry and fear on and off for over forty years. In this book, she teaches reader practical ways to unleash of God given trust and reply on His help. She shared how the majority of our worry is a learned behavior but we can learn to unlearn it. She breaks down the trauma we may have faced into personally, secondhand, or perception. She shared how she saw fear when she witnessed her boyfriend at the time getting into a fight. This left a mark on her soul of fear. 

 

 

 

One of my favorite suggestions she included was about Thessalonians and how we are encouraged to pray without creasing. Most of us don’t pray continuously throughout the day. We tend to let our thoughts run wild instead. She has some good ideas on how to complete this. We can learn to stop picking up our phones so much, turning down the noise, turn up the worship music, praying ourselves to sleep to keep our minds in a calm state. She clarified how important it is to write down our prayer list and just do it for ourselves only. She also went into detail about her struggle with getting turned down by publishers and receiving a bunch of no’s. During this time, she herself had to come to peace while she waited on God’s timing. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to win over worrying. This book contained practical ways in which we can learn to release control over our worries and turn them all over to God. I liked how she discusses the experiences we may miss if we choose to worry instead of pursing something we would have gone for if we weren’t controlled by our fear. This book will assist readers in breaking down what is causing them to worry and fear and help them to replace the negative thoughts and to live your life to the fullest. This book will help you to get your joy back and to win against worry. 

 

 

 

I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Win-over-Worry-Conquer-Overcomes/dp/1684262429/

 

A Good Bad Boy: Luke Perry and How a Generation Grew Up by Margaret Wappler Book Review

Luke Perry was a key player in the TV series, Beverly Hills 90210. He played the character, Dylan McKay. He also starred in Riverdale and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Margaret wrote this book by speaking to people close to him and researching his life. He first got the gig by auditing for Dianne Young, the director. His character, Dylan lived in lonely hotel room alone and he was in search of finding his father. He was the first one to admit to read the part in French the rest would just read over it. The director knew he would be prefect for the role. He first began staring in plays at age four. He had a fly malfunction and the zipper kept falling down. He didn’t let this stop him and he kept chasing after his dream to become a professional actor. The book also covered his death. He died of a stroke in 2019 at the age of fifty-two. They had to do a hero send off on Riverdale. 

 

 

I liked how this book covered all of the life of Luke Perry. He never wrote an official autobiography so this is the closest thing we have to his life. I thought she did a wonderful job in tying everything together and looking at different key events in his life. It was interesting to learn about how he got into acting and took on different roles. I would recommend this book to anyone is a fan of Luke Perry and they are curious to learn more about his life.  

I received this book free from Simon and Schuster for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Bad-Boy-Perry-Generation/dp/166800626X

The Encountering God Study Bible NKJV Bible Review

 

• The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, this Study Bible includes: 

• Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word • Notes explaining ideas, events, people and places in the text  

• Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of figures from church history  

• Notes to help you navigate current cultural issues 

 

 

• Order your copy of the Encountering God Study Bible today! 

 

My Review:

 

The book enclosed a forward by Henry Blackaby and he was one of the people who helped to put this Bible together. He has witnessed encounters with God and was forever changed by them. He was first changed by reading the Bible and encountering God on a personal level. He grew up in Canada and his father was a Christian and modeled to his kids the importance of studying the word of God. He shared how his personal encounters changed him and how he went on to start 38 missions and founding a Bible college. Throughout his ministry, he has witnessed firsthand how God’s encounters changed people lives and a key part was through reading and studying His word. 

 

 

Each Bible section had an introduction, significance, structure, and encountering God. The Bible had encounter note spread throughout the entire Bible. One of my favorites discussed Ps. 33:18 and it was on fear. This told us to fear the Lord only and not to fear people. When we are able to know God and have a good view of him then we will be able to see our adversaries in the right view and have the right perspective no matter what we may face. The Bible also had word study that break down the meaning of an important word and the context in the Bible. It also had a section that explained the faith. They shared a character study on certain people in scriptures. They had a historical encounter. The Bible contained helpful maps such as Jerusalem featuring David’s city and where it was located. The book shared David’s triumphs and troubles and referred to which verses they are and on where they can be found. I really believe this was extremely helpful in breaking down the message of David. The book contained a Biblical timeline, harmony of the Gospels, read you Bible in a year, prophecies and fulfillments, index to special features, concordance. The Bible comes in a black leather design and contained two ribbons- one teal and one navy. The teal color is very beautiful and makes it super easy to find. 

 

 

I would recommend this Bible to anyone who wants to experience an encounter with God. It is very well put together and the text is 9 points so it makes it very easy to read on the eyes. I liked how the Bible highlighted key encounters with God and helps readers to grow closer to Christ. There are tons of helpful features in the Bible such as encounter notes and words and explaining the faith. I liked how they strongly encouraged readers to actively open the word and try to encounter God daily and to see how God’s word can apply to our lives. I also liked how they covered the problem of pain and why bad things happen to good people. I’m writing this review while they are singing a tribute to Christian singer, Mandisa. As, I believe we are all wondering why. We just have to remember that God will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no one death or pain. The suffering we are experiencing now is nothing compared to the glory which is on the way. This is a wonderful Bible to add to your collection and it one that will help to experience an encounter with God in a new and bright way. 

 

 

Links:

 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/51788E90-9C90-4632-A628-39F83F200C01?channel=Momentum

 

 

https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/encountering-god-study-bible/?utm_source=Momentum&utm_medium=Bloggers&utm_campaign=Spring  

 

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

 

Giveaway: 1 Encountering God Study Bible 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) 

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Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption by Duane “Dog” Chapman Book Review

 

In Nine Lives and Counting, Duane Chapman has written a brand-new book about his life and his experiences in being a reality TV star and how he discovered Christ. He was the star on Dog the Bounty Hunter and Dog and Beth: On the Hunt. In the book, he shared about meeting his wife, Beth. He explained what he went through when he lost her to cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 throat cancer. He admitted to how he refused to believe anything negative regarding the diagnose. He believes in the power of life and death is found in the tongue so he would watch his words. He shared how he even would make minister change his vows and take out til death do us part because he didn’t want to speak death at all. She was given the cancer free clear when only a year later it returned to stage 4 and spread to her lungs. She fought until the end. He admitted to how after her death he considered ending his life to join her in Heaven but God instructed him not to end the life that He gave him. In the book, he explained how he met his new wife Francie who also lost her own spouse. He also covered his past relationships and marriages and kids. 

 

 

He revealed how he come to know Christ and was reborn and how it excites him to witness people lives being changed. He grew up as a Christian kid in the Assemblies of God and he grew up Pentecostal church. He accepted Jesus as his savior when he was around 5 years old. He revealed his take on demon possession and how very real this is. He witnessed people being delivered and in turn has seen it firsthand through his encounters with criminals and addicts. Satan is the author of the oppression and confusion and he tempts to torment people. He explained how he studied the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He was gifted with the gift of knowledge and God would assist him in his quests in his bounty hunting. He shared a few examples of this throughout the book. 

 

 

One of my favorite parts of the book was about him being warned about how he didn’t need to go out one night. He refused to listen and proceed to go out with his friends. They went coyote hunting. One of them wanted to go get a joint before going. They decided to go see their other friend, Jerry Lee who would have a stash. The other friend shot Jerry Lee in the shoulder. Later it was confirmed that Jerry Lee was killed and they arrested Dog. He clarified how Texas law found him guilty just because he was present at the time. He was sentenced to five years. He opened up about his different experiences he went through during this time. 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book about the life of Dog and his faith in Christ. It was very eye opening to read about his experiences and how he was at time rough around the edges and God was able to reach down and change his life. It’s interesting to read about how he was in a motorcycle gang, to being sentenced in prison to, being a bounty hunter on TV. I haven’t watched a lot of his TV series but I was curious to learn about him and reading about his faith was inspiring and to see how it has changed his entire life. 

 

 

 

 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Lives-Counting-Hunters-Redemption/dp/1400239273/

Unsung Hero Movie Review and Giveaway

 

• If you love the band FOR KING + COUNTRY, you have to see their  

new film in theaters soon! 

• Moms, celebrate your priceless role in your family by going to  

see the powerful film, Unsung Hero, in theaters starting April  

26th! 

 

• Buy tickets today to see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26th! 

• Synopsis: When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. 

My Review:

 

I watched this film two times so far. The simple reason is how excellent the film is and the message. This will be a film I will purchase and rewatch again and again. The film showed faith, struggle, and chasing your dreams. David’s business failed in Australia and he was at one time leading Amy Grant. I really enjoyed learning more about the Smallbone’s story touching on for King + Country and Rebecca St. James and their story. Watchers got to learn the journey to America from Australia and how they had to leave behind their friends and family for a better life. They had to learn how to rebuilt their whole life from a new house and they had no job or car. I immensely loved witnessing how they met people from their church and their lives were dramatically changed. Their pastors gifted them a car because they saw how much they were struggling to get by. The pastor kept trying to help them and was trying to be a blessing to them. Sometimes David would get frustrated and upset. I also loved the idea of a prayer wall filled with things they were praying for. It showed Helen’s faith and how she kept the family together. The film features more on the storyline of how Rebecca St. James begin her music career and her struggles and setbacks. 

The films cast featured a large role from Joel Smallbone, Rebecca St. James playing a flight attendant, Lucas Black (NCIS: New Orleans and some Fast and the Furious movies), Candace Cameron Bure (Full House and many Christmas and Mystery movies), a smaller role from Hilary Scott from country band and she sings a little in the film, Lady A, Diesel La Torraca (Ginny & George), Terry O'Quinn (Lost), just to name a few. My favorite surprise in the film was seeing Lucas Black and Candance Cameron Bure and they both had smaller roles a pastor and wife. They both weren’t the star of the film like you’re used to seeing. They were still in the film a good bit. One of the favorite scenes was a joke between Lucas and Joel about how their accents and they both have very strong accents. Joel has an Austrian accent and Lucas has a southern accent. I enjoy watching Lucas in his roles for this very reason. Both I could listen to speak all day. I also liked how at the end they showed real pictures of their family and showed what each on does in their life now. The film begins with an opening message from for Kings + Country and how they chose to tell their story in a film instead of writing a book, which I hope they still write a book! Helen’s book touched a little on their story in her book but it would still be interesting to see it from the kids’ point of view. This film was a very well written film and it’s going to be a big best seller!

 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoLmPx9kuvc

 

Jean’s interview w/ Luke Smallbone: 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QfJOigc0kQ

 

• Buy tickets today to see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26th! 

 

For Kings + Country and Amy Grant:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7CMu0ZE1Ww

 

For Kings + Country and Rebecca St. James performing together:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyFc1rPUwEs

 

 

Website: https://unsunghero.movie

Buy Tickets: https://tickets.unsunghero.movie

 

 

 

 

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 

 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Damaged but Not Destroyed: From Trauma to Triumph by Michael Todd Book Review

In Damaged but Not Destroyed, Michael Todd explored how he has been hurt and experienced trauma. He referred to it as H.O.T. (humble, open, and transparent). Even though we are damaged, we can still remember that we are not destroyed. One of the stories, he shared was about how he purchased a fancy car that he couldn’t afford. He made the month payments but couldn’t afford anything extra and he has no spare money if something broke. He let his insurance lapse while it was in the shop. The day it was fixed there was ice all over the road and instead of waiting he went to go pick up his ride. He accidently slid into another lane and hit a car. He got insurance back on the vehicle and then waited a few hours to call back and file a claim. He chose to lie and committed insurance fraud, which is a felony. It took about five years before it all was revealed and the hearings were completed. At this time, he was a youth pastor. He had to turn himself in and was booked and jailed. He did his time and paid the fines and worked in the community. He had to deal with the self-inflicted damage. In the book, he helped readers to heal and deal with their damage. God is able to restore and use everything good according to His purpose. 

 

Another favorite chapter discussed an analogy of the dartboard of damage. There are four common weapons that we all face and can leave a mark. These enclosed words, actions, exposure, and environment. Next, he goes into detail about the common domains of damage: disappointments, false teachings, ignorance, scarcity, abuse, neglect, rejection, and much more. “The darts (weapons of damage) and domains (the where of damage)”. This illustration was very eye opening to see where the darts and the wound and damage can occur. It included some examples of equations and open spaces where you can write down your own thoughts that lead to your damage. 

 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone is feeling broken, hurt, and damaged. This book will assist readers into realizing that they are not destroyed even if they feel that they are damaged. I immensely loved how he reminded readers that their name is unique and how God knows your name. You don’t have to answer to “addict, slut, felon, or failure”. This is incredible and powerful to remember that our value is in Christ. He also included a special section with verses describing our identity in Christ. 

 

 

 

 

I received this book free from Water Brook for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Damaged-but-Not-Destroyed-Triumph/dp/0593444884/ 

The Hopeful Movie Review and Giveaway

 • Buy tickets today to see The Hopeful in theaters ONLY on April 17 &  

18th! 

 

 

• Moms, buy tickets today to see this inspiring film with your family in  

theaters soon! 

 

 

• Synopsis: The Hopeful is the true story of a community whose lives were trans formed as they learn what it means to truly wait for Jesus. This sweeping drama, set in 19th century New England, invites audiences of all ages to imagine how hope can change the world. 

 

 

• Long Synopsis: William Miller’s faith is in ruins. After miraculously surviving a fierce battle in the War of 1812, Miller questions why God spared him. His search for wisdom leads to an astonishing prophesy — the world is going to end. The Hopeful unfolds as a story of a man burdened with the knowledge of Christ’s return. Miller’s message resonates with some—even as it is scorned by others. When a young woman named Ellen Harmon listens to one of his sermons she is transformed. And through her witness the message begins to take flight. The preaching grows beyond prophecy and develops into a more holistic vision for how Christians should live and worship.  We see blossoming the seeds of a new global movement of faith —the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Hopeful is the true story of a community whose lives were transformed as they learn what it means to truly wait for Jesus. This sweeping drama, set in 19th century New England, invites audiences of all ages to imagine how hope can change the world. 

 

 

My Review:

 

This movie is a film covering the life of William Miller and how he came in into his faith in God. He is revealed from God when the world is ending and he is instructed like Jonah to tell and warn others about the return of Christ. He boldly declared that the world was ending in four years. Ellen Harmon is a follower and began to have vision of the day Christ is returning. They were kicked out of their own church and this inspired Miller to found his own church. This movie was very interesting in learning about the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and how they believed that the world was ending. As we all know, the world didn’t end in the four years in the prophecy he announced. I was in awe of the visions that she saw and how she had an impact on the movement of the church. I also didn’t realize that they chose to celebrate the Sabbath on a different day and Ellen had a part in changing that. Another key element in the film was how women influenced Miller and how he encouraged to tell the truth about Jesus and His return. Women played a big role in moving this church and message along. They also showed Christ as a healer and that He is isn’t just a judgmental God. The movie provides watchers with a hope of Christ returning and we get to learn about some of the beliefs from this church. 

 

 

^• Buy tickets today to see The Hopeful in theaters ONLY on April 17 & 18th!

 

Website: https://thehopefulmovie.com 

Buy Tickets: Lhttps://www.fathomevents.com/events/the-hopeful/?utm_campaign=The%20Hopeful&utm_source=Fathom&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_content=2024_TheHopeful_Fathom_Press_PressReleaseINK 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QkLDug4d7s

Toolkit: https://collidemg.notion.site/The-Hopeful-Movie-Digital-Toolkit-039e3948387746f1a3e24934d89f7355#8fce5b78edfe473ca5c76fb659d2e1fd

Jean’s interview w/ Kyle (director of The Hopeful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsI6LH7EsSQ&feature=youtu.be

Social Pages: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/realhopestudios/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/realhopestudios

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Hope Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own. 

 

 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card

(Note: This is limited to US winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway