Everyday MAGIC: The Joy of Not Being Everything and Still Being More Than Enough by Mattie James Book Review

In Everyday MAGIC, Mattie James had written a book to assist readers in shifting their mindset and to discover peace and joy in every day. She is an influencer, blogger, wife, mother, and a winner of Miss Liberia USA. She started her own companies, The Mattie James Company and BOSSFLUENCE. She mainly focuses on helping woman to thrive and to live a life that brings them joy. She uses an acronym: magic which stands for meaningful, aesthetically pleasing, goal-oriented, intentional, and consistent. She explained how we don’t have to live up to everyone expectations and be everything to everyone. She begins the book by sharing how important it is to envision our life and living in our purpose. She encouraged readers to create a magic memo and to write down a manifesto of our lives. She instructs readers to also create them a mission statement and this will allow us to learn who we are and what goals we want to achieve. She also explored self-care, organizing your house, decluttering, creating family moments and traditions, and much more. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to any women who are seeking a book to assist them in navigating and crafting joy in day to day living. I immensely liked how she shared about how she came to know Christ. She even explained in detail about her health issues and her struggles with starting a family. Sometimes doctors don’t have the final say! I liked the idea of a weekly screen time fast that they do as a family starting on Friday night until Saturday. This included everything from TV to iPhone to iPad. This forces everyone to bond and enjoy activities together. I also liked how she provided tips to declutter and organize your home and making it easier to find things. I appreciated how she explained the importance of self-care on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and I think this will help us to relax and rejuvenating.  

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

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

 

https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-MAGIC-Being-Everything-Enough/dp/1546002227/

A Door Made for Me by Tyler Merritt Illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre Book Review

A Door Made for Me is a personal story that Tyler has dealt with most of his life and he made his experience into a children’s book. The book details his time spend with his grandparents' every summer. He met another young boy named Jack who happened to be white. They would enjoy the outdoors and fish. Tyler explained how at first, he was scared of the worms. Jack wanted to show everyone how many fish they caught. They knocked on doors asking people to come outside to see the fish. The book explained how many of the people wouldn’t give them the time of day. One lady forever changed his life when she refused to allow Tyler inside because he was black but Jack was allowed inside. He then went home to his grandfather and had an in-depth conversation about how someone could hate him when they didn’t even know him. He compared it to opening doors and how we can’t allow another person’s hate and actions to define us. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book about Tyler’s life to any child aged 4-9. It was heartbreaking to witness how that lady made Tyler feel when she wouldn’t allow him into her house based on his skin tone. I immensely loved the lessons the grandfather taught and how it all centered on finding the door that was made for us and to open it for the next person to walk through maybe with even less of a struggle. This book will make a wonderful conversation starter on teaching children about not judging others based on skin color or people who are different. The illustrations were very colorful and engaging to the audience. 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/ Worthy Kids for my honest review.”

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Door-Made-Me-Tyler-Merritt/dp/1546012567

Confidently You by Joyce Meyer Book Review

In Confidently You, Joyce Meyer has decided to take some action against the insecurity epidemic. One of the first steps, she shared to become more of a confident person is by changing your thoughts about yourself and God. She explained how there is two types of confidence. The first one is rooted in our own human strength, personality, and abilities. This is referred in scripture as having confidence in the flesh. The second one is having a dependence on God and realizing everything comes from Him. She shared the dangers of comparison and how important it is to accept ourselves. We must embrace our strengths and weaknesses and our successes and failures. She went into detail about how God loves us just the way we are and we don’t need to compare ourselves with others. The world wants us to compare ourselves with others they use advertisement to accomplish this. We need to have the latest technology gadget, fashion trend, beauty secret to look younger, lose the extra weight, and anything else to keep up with everyone else. She explained how we are not supposed to covet and lust after whatever else someone else has. Jesus didn’t compare Himself to others. He told his disciples the greatest among them would be the one who serves others with joy. 

 

 

Joyce opened up about how she struggled with comparison and would envy the pastor’s wife and some of her friends. She felt rejected and like she didn’t fit in. It took her many years to realize that God accepts her and created her in her mother’s womb. She revealed how she believed when we compared ourselves with others, we are insulting God for what He made us to be. We instead to learn to appreciate others for who they are and to love ourselves as we are. We can make a choice to focus on our strengths and maximizing them. 

 

 

I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who is struggling with being confident. I immensely loved how she covered what to do with our words. We can speak life and watch our words. I loved how she tried to help readers in not engaging in fearful talk. These is power when we speak what God says about us over our lives and we get in agreement with Him. I believe this will also assist us in become more confident. I     also liked how she shared she had to do things afraid in order to grow and putting her car in drive. She was very transparent in sharing how she began her ministry and was afraid to quit her job and to peach the word and many times she still felt fear but she chose to keep going. This is an awesome resource to use to living boldly and with confidence. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Confidently-You-Joyce-Meyer/dp/1546013512

You Can Shine So Bright! By Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo Illustrated by Naomi C. Robinson Book Review

You Can Shine So Bright is written by Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo. Jinger starred on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting and then both appeared on Counting On. This book teaches children the meaning of Galatians 5:22-23. This verse discussed the fruits of the spirit and how they encompassed love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The book explained how just a small act of kindness can change the world. The Lord will assist us in doing big things and His light will be shining bright through us. In the book, love is explained by a child deciding to reach out to another child and being their friend and loving them like we have received love from God. Goodness was conveyed when children decided to help others in raising money for a clean water charity by selling lemonade. It revealed the importance of serving others will all of our hearts. 

 

 

I would recommend this amazing kid’s book to anyone aged 2-7. It was an excellent teaching tool in helping kids discover the meaning of the fruits of the spirits. I loved the examples they used in helping kids relate to the message. Some of these included being gentle and helping God’s creatures and people and it displayed a child taking a fallen bird to the vet for care. I liked how it showed how God will fill us up and give us His love to reach out to others and be a blessing. This book will help our children to shine brighter and to learn more about Christ and His teachings. 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/ Worthy Kids for my honest review.”

 

 

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

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Shine-So-Bright/dp/1546013814/

Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will Prevail by Susie Larson Book Review

In Strong in Battle, Susie Larson explored how we gain victory and to know who you are. She first opened the book by sharing in detail how she was awakened at night that her youngest son, Jordan was going to die. She remembers falling to her knees praying to God for his protection. She was experiencing a trauma fear and this occurs when the devil tries to instill fear that traumatizes you and tortures your thoughts. She shared how she wished she would have handled it differently and prayed from authority that Jesus is in complete control. Jordan is fine and she stated how he did die in some ways to his flesh. She explained how she learned to battle and how we are going to win our battles. We must walk intimately with Him and learn to love more deeply. 

 

 

Another story she opened up about was how in high school she was a varsity cheerleader and a gymnast. She shared how a few teenaged boys left her insecure. This led her to not fitting in with others including her cheerleaders’ friends and she didn’t fit in their circles. She remembered as she got older, she felt like she was struggling with an imposter syndrome. One day everything changed when she prayed to God and felt God telling her that the circle of fitting in is all an illusion. In heaven, it has no value and everyone is included and loved. She shared examples of key Biblical leaders who were viewed as outsiders: Joseph, Ruth, David, Moses, just to name a few. For example: She shared how Joseph was an outsider and rejected by his brothers and eventually he became a key factor in saving their lives and the nation. God used people who were considered outsiders to accomplish things for His Kingdom. 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to prepared for battle and they want to discover key secrets in winning the war. One of my favorite things was when she described the lion and how we have to close the door to worry. The faith declaration she included in the chapter, “You have an enemy” is very powerful and this one could change lives and empower you over the enemy. The book also included a study guide filled with questions. She broke each chapter into the “humble way, discern the fiery arrows, say no, say yes, declaration, prayer, and a special section entitled spiritual intelligence training”. I especially loved how helpful these study guide type revealed key reminders in growing more inmate with Christ.  

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Battle-Humble-Will-Prevail/dp/0764231715

The King's Signet Ring: Understanding the Significance of God's Covenant with You by Chuck D. Pierce and Alemu Beeftu Book Review

In The King’s Signet Ring, Chuck D. Pierce and Alemu Beeftu have teamed up to write a brand-new book about the hidden meaning of a signet ring and how it relates to God’s covenant. A signet ring is a symbol of family heritage and typically it was worn on the pinkie finger. Many would be specially engaged and uniquely designed. If a king wanted to mark a document, they would use their ring to seal it. The ring also was a display of beauty. They were also viewed as a commitment to a person or the Lord and can be seen as a sign of public faith. The book explored the different types of covenants such as, “Edenic, Noahic, Abrahamic, the new covenant”, just to name a few. They explained how in the Old Testament circumcision was an external sign of our commitment to Christ. They compared this to a type of engagement ring. Then in when Jesus came and resurrected it became like a signet ring that has been sealed. In the book, they looked at the first Biblical mentions of a signet ring and what they meant. They explored the restoration of the signet ring and the sources of Jesus’ authority. 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book about signet rings and what it means for us to be in covenant with Christ. I haven’t really ever read a book that went into details about the rings and how we use this knowledge to grow in our relationship with Christ. It was interesting to see the first mention of the ring found in Genesis. The first was on Judah and Tamar story and how easy it was for Judah to be recognized and identified for his actions against Tamar. I have read this story before in the Bible but I haven’t paid that much attention to the significance of the ring. I liked how the book discussed our authority found in Christ and how this relates to the ring and how it affects our relationship with Christ. 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Signet-Ring-Understanding-Significance/dp/080076255X

Lifemark Movie Review in Theaters on September 9th and Giveaway

• Go see LIFEMARK in theaters starting September 9th!  

• LIFEMARK is a story of hope, of overcoming the obstacles life throws at us, reveling in the art of faith, grace, and perseverance. 

• This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story! 

 

• Synopsis: David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Fireproof—comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.  

 

My Review: 

I would recommend this wonderful family friendly film to anyone aged 13 and up. It’s based on a true story. I liked the documentary aspect that they tried to include in the film since the movie is based on a documentary. I’m really curious to also watch the documentary called, “I Lived on Parker Avenue”. I loved the message of this movie and how it touched on adoption and choosing life. The movie displayed the meaning of unconditionally love and I liked seeing David’s relationship with his adopted parents and how supportive they were in encouraging David to meet his birthmother. I liked seeing the journey of meeting his birthmother and seeing the relationship develop. I also enjoyed how it explained how the birthmother ended up choosing adoption and I thought the flashbacks added to the message of the film. I loved watching Kirk Cameron play the role of a Christian father in this role and he brings the movie to life. I also liked how they were able to show Kirk as young and older by changing his hair color and he looks like he hasn’t aged in both roles. I also enjoyed seeing Raphael Ruggero and this is the first movie I have seen him star in. I thought he did a wonderful job acting. I liked seeing Alex Kendrick starred in this film and I think his acting is improving with all the different roles he has played over the years. I personally think this movie will be one of the best movies of 2022 and it was very entertaining. I also loved the ending and the side story they included to tie the message of the movie all together. It was a great surprise but you have to wait to find out! 

 

 

^• Buy your tickets TODAY to see LIFEMARK in theaters starting 9/9! 

 

 

Website: https://lifemarkmovie.com/ 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/bZI9ziz8Azw 

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon gift card 

Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  

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

The Military Guide to Disarming Deception: Battlefield Tactics to Expose the Enemy's Lies and Triumph in Truth by Colonel David J. Giammona and Troy Anderson Book Review

 

In The Military Guide to Disarming Deception, Colonel David J. Giammona and Troy Anderson explore the end times and what is to come. This will prepare you to fight and to not fall into deception. They explained the rise of false prophets and how they will claim that they are in fact Christ. There is going to be an antichrist and he will be spreading deceptions. He will be displaying miracles and wonders and luring people into following his lies. We must get ready for battle and stand firm against the lies that the devil will be spreading. Paul warned believers about the rebellion that is coming and the reveal from the man of lawlessness, meaning the antichrist making his identity clear. A big part of the rebellion period is going to come from unbelievers and they have help lead people astray from God. They also explored the topic of the mark of the beast and how everyone will be encouraged to receive a mark on their right hand or their foreheads. People won’t be allowed to sell or buy if they don’t have the mark. Many who refuse will be killed. They shared how this is become more possible with the use or microchips, electronic banking/payment for goods, and digital currency.

 

 

Another aspect of the book touched on technology and how it has brought many changes. One of the key things they discussed was about China and social credit scores and how their system monitors their behaviors. It punishes them with slowed internet speeds, travel bans, and prevents them from enrolling their children in good schools. They have a Communist party and they aren’t allowed to speak ill of the government. The authors strongly believe that the antichrist will use the same type of system and control everything and this is opening the door for this to occur. Another thing is the use of an electromagnetic pulse weapon that North Korea, Russia, and China all have access to right now. This weapon could shut down all transportation, water, power, all technology-based devices.

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book about the end times to anyone who is curious about what is to come. The end times are closer than ever before. This book contains the tools to gear up for battle to fight against the massive deception that is to come. Each chapter enclosed tactics, techniques, and procedures to put into practice to prepare for the end times. It was interesting to read about the deception that satan is using and how he is changing politics, media, technology, and education for his purposes. I loved reading about Elijah and how he will come back and the belief that he will be one of the two witnesses who will be preaching the gospel and performing miracles. They will eventually be killed and they will rise up in three days like Christ did. I also liked how they looked at the rebuilding of the temples and how the antichrist could be rebuilding it very soon. There are differencing beliefs about where it will be actual located. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Military-Guide-Disarming-Deception-Battlefield/dp/0800762584

Worried about Everything Because I Pray about Nothing: How to Live with Peace and Purpose Instead of Stress and Burnout by Chad Veach Book Review

In Worried about Everything Because I Pray about Nothing, Chad Veach has written a new book about prayer and how we can learn how to pray. The book is divided into three sections, “prayer changes everything… but mainly you, what everybody gets wrong about prayer, and getting better at prayer”. 

 

 

He stated how we view God affects our prayer life. Another big part that can harm our prayer life is the view we have of ourselves. This in turn changes how we approach God in prayer. He explained how they are both connected. He stated how many of us are more geared to praying to be forgiven and to bless us. But prayer is much more than just that. He looked at how Jesus and Paul prayed. He shared over twenty-five scriptures about who we are in Christ. Some of these included, “I am a child of God, accepted, blessed, free from condemnation, at peace”, and much more. 

 

 

He begins the book by sharing that his parents were pastors and how he grew up in church. Prayer didn’t become very real to him until he was about 16 years old. He attended an event called Promise Keepers and he had a real encounter with God and this led to his hungry for God. He shared how in his senior year, he partnered with two other friends. They began a lunch prayer group and it eventually grew to the gym cause so many students joined. He also opened up about his daughter, Georgia and how she was diagnosed with lissencephaly, which is a condition that effects the brain development. He shared how he felt a presence and that God would give them grace through this. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to learn how to pray more and to grow closer to God. I immensely loved how he looked about all of the excuses people use to avoid praying and the role shame plays into it. I also loved how he looked at David and his teaching found in the book of Psalms. He explained the five different stages, “pain, processing, prayer, proclamation, and peace” and how David prayed. One of my favorites was the one on proclamation and how he praised Him. I also liked how he explored dangerous prayers and one of the hardest ones was the one that discussed forgiving your enemies and praying for God to bless them. I love how he covered a number of different topics relating to prayer and this book will assist us in growing in our relationship with Christ. 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Worried-about-Everything-Because-Nothing/dp/0764240188/