Loving People Who Are Hard to Love: Transforming Your World by Learning to Love Unconditionally by Joyce Meyer Book Review

In Loving People Who Are Hard to Love, Joyce Meyer has written a brand-new book covering the topic of love and she guides readers on how we can learn to love others who are just plain difficult to. A major scripture verse discussed in this book was John 13:34, that stated that we must love one another like He has loved us. The world is facing a crisis of a lack of love and it’s filled with hatred, violence, we have no peace, no love, and angry is more present more now than ever before. She explained how love provides us with purpose and meaning. Jesus also revealed the important of truly providing for others out of love whether it be giving clothes, food, or water to someone in need, caring for the sick, or someone who is in prison. He compared to how if we did an act of kindness to someone else, then it was like we did it for Christ. Joyce used this teaching to remind believers that the choices we make now will determine if we will be in the righteous side when Jesus returns. She encouraged believers to practice loving others daily and we can use the five love languages to do so.  

 

 

One of my favorite stories she shared was about her experience with a shopping cart filled with dented cans. There was a time that she didn’t have a lot of money and had to cut costs. One grocery store had this special cart filled with dented cans or missing labels. You wouldn’t have any idea what items you would be getting until you opened the can. It could be dog/ cat food, vegetables, fruit, applesauce. She admitted to how she would choose the cans with the smallest dents and she used this exampled to display how the take the same approach with regard to dealing and choosing people we associate with. We don’t always know what we will be getting and we can’t always read people’s labels. She explained how her husband probably didn’t realize that she had a small dent in her childhood.  

 

 

She shared how she suffered sexual abuse from her father and she didn’t obtain an apology until he was 80 years old. Her mother didn’t apologize until 30 years after she turned 18. Her abuse affected her personality and she was very controlling and afraid. She dealt with a deep issue of rejection and shame. She had a big anger problem and it surfaced in her marriage to Dave. Her husband had a strong faith and he remained peaceful and loving towards her and eventually she found healing and got closer to Jesus. Another powerful lesson was about porcupines and how they have to close to either being cold in the winter or being stuck by another porcupine quills in order to survive winter. She used to this to illustrate to us on how we may all have wounds that run deep but we are still much better off connecting with others and choosing to love. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is struggling with loving others who are difficult. We all have that boss, coworkers, church members, family, and neighbors that are hard to love. This book contained numerous information and strategies to assist us in loving others. This book would be best to reread and to actively read a chapter a day or week and put it into practice. One of the most insightful teachings in the book is the one about offense and how to deal with it directly head on. We can instead choose to follow peace and to not be easily offended. This is one tactic satan uses a lot to keep people bound and in turmoil against each other. This is more than likely the very reason in the back of the book, she enclosed scriptures to assist readers in dealing with offenses and finding true freedom. 

 

 

 

"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/Loving-People-Hard-Love-Unconditionally/dp/1546016090

NET, The TEXT Bible, Hardcover, Comfort Print: Uncover the message between God, humanity, and you edited by Michael and Hayley DiMarco Book Review and Giveaway

 

Made with students, young adults, and new believers in mind, The TEXT introduces the new and memorable TEXT study method—Talk to God; Encounter God and humanity in Scripture; eXamine your heart; Talk to others—to help readers of every experience level interact with God’s message. Along with this easy-to-use Bible engagement technique, answers to common questions, prayer prompts, and easy-to-understand study tips, The TEXT is a Bible readers of any experience level will want to use every day.  

Features Include:  

• TEXT the Text: use the four-step TEXT study method— Talk to God; Encounter God and humanity; eXamine your heart; Talk to others—to engage with Scripture 

• Big Q of the Text: big life questions with short answers 

• “Who is God?”: nearly 100 short devotions on the person and character of God 

• Praying the Text: Learn how to start praying God’s Word right back to him! 

• Get to Know the Text: brief explanations of people and events found in Scripture 

• Follow the Thread: navigate the Bible across topics 

• Anatomy of the Text: concise descriptions of literary devices and categories of Scripture found within the Bible, such as parables and apocalyptic books 

• Terms of the Text: brief definitions of important words to help us better understand and discuss Scripture 

General editors: 

• Michael and Hayley DiMarco are the bestselling and award-winning authors of more than 40 books including Own It, God Guy, God Girl, and A Woman Over whelmed. Michael and Hayley have now served as general editors on three Bible projects. Together, they work side-by-side at Hungry Planet, a company they founded that creates winsome and spiritually based content for teens and adults. They live in Eugene, Oregon, where Michael serves as a pastor. 

My Review:

The NET the Text Bible is a wonderful Bible featuring key new features teaching us about God’s written Word. This Bible is geared towards students and young adults, aged 18-40. The entire scope of the Bible is meant to be like a gateway to connecting to God and can be viewed as an online presence mixed with a group text conversation. The editor’s explained how the single most important thing is our thoughts on God and we can reply on the face that God will always be there to give us answers to life’s mystery of questions. I liked how the Bible contained a summary and a quick breakdown of who wrote the chapter, key verses, purpose, dates, and text treads to prepare readers on what the chapter will enclose. One of my favorite things was a session called, “praying the text”. I liked the one that covered storms and it was placed near Jeremiah 15. This prayer was scriptures discussing storms and how God will keep us safe under his wings, controls the water, and provides us with the hope found only in Christ. Another awesome feature was the 100 devotionals placed throughout the Bible that was based on the TEXT principle. One of my favorites was on God is our provider and they encouraged readers to list attributes in a column on who God is and on the other side who humanity is. It explored stress and worrying and how we can examine our hearts and grow deeper in learning more about God and how He cares for us. I also immensely love how they included special charts featuring: prophecies fulfilled at the cross, spiritual gifts, two types of wisdom, praying the text index, hashtags, reading plan, maps, and a concordance. I loved how the Bible comprised of two ribbon bookmarks to make it easier to flip back and forth and study different verses and it makes it quicker for follow the tread features. 

 

Key points: 

• A Bible for students that doesn’t talk down to them and teaches who God is, how to engage with Scripture, and how to have a personal relationship with him. 

• Ideal for teens, young adults, new believers, and anyone who doesn’t feel confident engaging Scripture on their own. 

• Accessible new Scripture Engagement Method (TEXT) that connects Scripture to all of life. 

^• Get 50% off your copy of The NET TEXT Bible if you order before Valentine’s Day! 

 

Website: https://textbible.com

 

 

Buy Link: https://churchsource.com/products/net-the-text-bible-hardcover-comfort-print-uncover-the-message-between-god-humanity-and-you?variant=39814677037153&utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=review&utm_campaign=momentum_influencers&utm_id=TNB

 

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 (one) copy of the TEXT Bible (Hardcover) 

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Minimum Method: The Least You Can Do to Be a Stronger, Healthier, Happier You by Joey Thurman Book Review

 

The Minimum Method is a new concept of a fitness book. He begins the book by apologizing for the miscommunication and how we were told every day to get up and to attach each day with a passion that it’s going to be a good day. He explained it’s okay to have bad days and not to give every workout our very best. We can even consume carbs. He shared how he grew up playing hockey and then moved on to lifting weights. He discovered his passion in becoming a certified personal trainer. He had a main goal of teaching readers to truly to show up for themselves. He explained how critical it is to focus on how we feel and not on the external benefits. This book is primary guided to teach readers the minimum method and to learn the essentials to transform our health. The book covered sleep, exercise, breathing, nutrition, stretching, and much more. 

 

 

 

One of my favorite chapters discussed the importance of sleep and resting. We have to learn to prioritize our sleep times. A lack of sleep can cause us to want to overeat the next day. There have been studies conducted to show we lose our lack of control when we are running low of sleep. It has been estimated that it can cause use to crave up to 20% more calories the next day. We will also experience problems with our cognitive reasoning and problem solving. He explained how he struggled with depression since he was a teenager and if we don’t get enough sleep this will affect our moods. It can lead us to developing metabolic syndrome. He looked at the different stages of sleep and included a helpful illustration describing each stage. One of my favorite tips he shared was how we need to record our favorite show and watch it later and not stay up late. I liked how he explored the different sleep chronotypes using animals. He explained how they relate to our internal time clocks and how we can figure out where we are most productive in our day. I enjoyed the discussion of supplement that can benefit us in helping us sleep. I also liked how he revealed how we can learn to wake up properly using light exposure. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to change their lives and they can do so by using the minimum method. I liked how helpful Joey Thurman is and I enjoyed in doing some of his workout programs and exercises. I have even saw a couple of his TV interviews and how open he is about his depression and how he wants to help readers to better their life. This book dives in and goes more in depth to provide tips and solutions to tackle our health head on. I immensely loved how each chapter enclosed helpful summaries and action steps we can take to transform our lives. One of my things, the book taught me was the importance of breathing properly and how we can all get 20% more oxygen. It contained steps by steps examples to guide us. The book is a very impactful book and I highly recommend it to benefit your overall health and wellbeing. 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, BenBella Books for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Minimum-Method-Stronger-Healthier-Happier/dp/1637742290

5000 Blankets Movie Review and Giveaway

 

Moms, this is a movie you won’t want to miss! Take your family to see this film, and be inspired to serve your community like this real-life mother/son did! 

• You don't want to miss this heartwarming story coming to theaters December 12 and 13. Get your tickets today! 

• It's incredible what can happen when you transform your heart to serve the people around you. Catch 5000 BLANKETS exclusively in theaters for two days only! December 12 & 13. 

• Phillip’s Wish is an organization that was founded by a little boy who saw a need in the world and decided to do something about it. Watch 5,000 Blankets, the film in spired by the incredible true story, exclusively in theaters for two nights only on December 12 & 13.

• "Mommy,” he said. “Are you warm?” “Yes, baby, I'm warm.” “Is Daddy warm?” he asked. And then the then 7-year-old son asked about everyone else – the people on the street and in the shelters. His mom told him the truth: “No, not everyone is warm.” 

• Synopsis: Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental break down and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city. 

 

My Review:

If you’re ready for an impactful film for the Christmas season, Sony Pictures has got you covered. This film was very heart touching and it contained special moments to make you want to cry. It was inspiring to learn about Phillip’s wish and how that organization was formed to make a difference in the homeless community lives. I loved the concept of giving away blankets to help keep the homeless warm during the winter months. They may not have very much material wise but we could greatly make them warmer with just a simple purchase or even a craft of a homemade blanket. It was eye opening to see Phillip asking his mother about his father and if he was warm and if everyone else was warm in the world. I also liked how this movie discussed mental illness and I don’t believe this is a topic you would imagine being presented in a Christian/Hollywood movie experience. I’m glad they did it in a way that showed some of what they made be facing daily and we don’t have any idea. I liked the way they also did the camera angles and effects when was having a mental episode. I also liked how they chose Anna Camp for the role of Phillip’s mother and how watchers can tell she actively believed the message of the film. People may recognize her from Pitch Perfect (all three films), The Help, Jerry and Marge Go Large. I also enjoyed watching Carson Minniear in the role of Phillip. Fans will remember him from the movie, Palmer. Another big surprise was in seeing Rob Mayer in the role of the father, Bobby. He has appeared in a few Christmas movies, Ice Castle, My Christmas Inn, The Christmas Edition, and A Golden Retriever 3. I actually love listening to him as a country artist. The acting on this film was wonderful and watchers will enjoy learning about the message of 5000 Blankets and may even cause you to want to be a blessing to others. What if we all come together and donated a blanket?

 

 

 

^• Buy tickets today to see 5,000 BLANKETS exclusively in theaters December 12 & 13 only! 

Trailer:

 

Movie Website: LINK 

Buy Tickets Link: LINK 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 

 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  

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

Releasing Miracles: How to Walk in the Supernatural Power of God by Kynan Bridges Book Review

In Releasing Miracles, Kynan Bridges explained how miracles are provided as a way to display God’s love in action to the world. He beings the book by sharing the powerful impact of the man located at the pool of Bethesda. He was paralyzed and he struggled and was unable to move closer to the healing pool for many years- say close to 37 years. He was commanded to take up his bed and walk. He was instantly healed by God and we see how God performed a miracle for an undeserving man. He explained the meaning of Bethesda and how this means, “a house of mercy”. He explained how this was a miracle that changed his entire life. He defined miracles as, “an intervention in or an overriding of a nature law or process”. He emphasized the importance of understanding that miracles are a part of our spiritual inheritance provided to us from Jesus because of Him dying for our sins. 

 

 

In the book, he revealed a personal story from his wife about how she received a miracle. She was diagnosed with a cyst on her ovaries. She would daily declare that the cyst would be removed. She felt a warm sensation on her ovaries and she described as feeling like it was on fire burning up. This occurred for a few weeks until she went back to the doctors to get a check-up. It had totally disappeared completely. He explained how no one else land hands on her to pray for her. She was healed a different way and she strongly believed for her own miracle. 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book about miracles to anyone who is ready to increase their faith and to believe that God is able to do anything. I immensely connected with the topic on how our miracle can be discovered in our mouths. We have to watch the words we are speaking. I liked how he explained the power of binding things and loosing things in earth as it is in Heaven. This is a very potent chapter about the power of our words, proclamation, and releasing supernatural power. I enjoyed the chapter on action and how this activates miracles. He shared stories from the Bible on how they had to complete an action out of faith to accomplish what God wanted them to do and to receive their own miracle. I also loved how the book had summary questions and a miracle activation prayer to assist readers into claiming what is theirs in Christ. I loved how he included a few scriptures about the Bible has declared about us and these are wonderful sayings to speak over our lives and families. This will greatly help you to fight the feelings of being unworthy. 

 

 

"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/Releasing-Miracles-Walk-Supernatural-Power/dp/0800762606

 

10 Prophetic Values for Today: Hearing, Glorying, and Restoring God’s Voice by James Levesque Book Review

In 10 Prophetic Values for Today, James Levesque has written a powerful book covering what he has witnessed is lacking in believers lives right now. He opened up first about how dark the world is becoming. In December 2020, he received a vision from God about how the earth was covered in darkness and he heard a voice from Heaven and it told him how God is going restore His voice upon the earth. He explained the importance of how God spoke the world into existence. We always have that same power available to us from God. He looked at Paul and how he explained to believers the gift of prophecy and how we all desire to hear from God. It’s imperative to be actively in God’s written word and to living in His presence. 

 

 

The book discussed the power of our words and to watch what we are declaring over our lives. A big scripture to remember is Proverbs 18:21 and this stated that our words are powerful and can bring life and death and a talkative person will suffer the consequences from it. He shared some examples such as if we say we are poor or if we believe that all men are dogs. What we say and focus on and believe determines what will be true. He explained how the devil uses our words against us and how this causes us harm. He opened up about his own declaration he has started with his own family. This stated how we are a leader, head and not the tail, lender, blessed, and how we will make a different in the world. I immensely loved this simple declaration and believed it contains powerful wording and actions to refocus our lives and to transform our lives. He shared how many people will come to him seeking a pastor to help their failing marriage, financial troubles, other issues and he told them to change their words. He has witnessed dramatic changes occur when they focus on the words they are speaking over their lives. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to learn about the 10 prophetic values that are about to change your life for the better. I liked how he broke the values down into easy-to-understand language to make it easier for readers. I liked how he explained peace and how we can obtain emotional health. It was shocking to read about all the negative effects happening in the world today: suicide, depression, drugs, and much more. Most of what they are trying to treat is just the symptoms of the issue not the root cause. I thought it was very bold in the way he explained how demons love to torment and how they can be found at the root cause of mental illness. The answer for healing is only discovered in Jesus’s blood. My favorite chapter was on power of words and how we can learn to speak words that matter over our lives and others. The declaration is extremely powerful and I believe this will greatly benefit us. 

 

 

 

"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/Prophetic-Values-Today-Glorifying-Restoring/dp/0800799348