Trust and truth; this is a winner!
934086
This story is engaging and skilfully told. Rachel and Lacey, despite a significant age difference, are drawn together by circumstance and life events. They form an unlikely but believable friendship. Both have a past littered with loss and each shoulders a burden in the present. The narrative POV switches easily from one to the other; snapshots of life events allow the story to unfold, keeping the pace lively and weaving past and present seamlessly.

The writing is powerful, often poignant and heartfelt, with the vulnerability of each laid bare. As a reader, I was keen to know what made these individuals the people they are. Parts if the story are really emotional; in turn heartbreak and pleasure, sadness and regret, happiness and laughter.

There's a strong sense of location, the descriptive passages are evocative with a real feel for country living in a tight knit and introspective community. I found I cared about both characters. There are a couple of final twists which carry the story through to a very satisfactory conclusion. It's a book that haunts you after you finish reading; it calls you back to think about some of the issues raised. What more could a reader ask for? A little gem and I loved it. Thank you.

Copy of my amazon UK review.
2983275
Ms Chodron is one of my new favorite authors now that I've had a taste of this lovely lady who has mountains of wisdom to offer! What is interesting about her talk as far as content is concerned is the "twist" she offers in being gentle and kind with oneself during difficult & challenging times. She tackles the oft forgotton path of self forgiveness in allowing oneself to learn & acquire wisdom from life's difficult passages and emerge whole, renewed, and strengthened. Even if you're not the type that necessarily resonates with Buddhist thinking, there is much to be gained from this gentle teacher. Her message is "oh-so-timely" for most people these days as everyone seems to be up against SOMETHING, whether it is financial, health related, or dealing with an uncertain future. While I love Sounds True recordings in general (nicely packaged-gift quality), this CD is better than most I have acquired from this publisher. Thanks to Unconditional Confidence (yes, it works too! that's the BEST part) I will be purchasing more CDs & books from Pema Chodron. She has offered just the key I needed to endure some personal difficulties with more humor, grace, and (YES!) confidence.
2928984
Ever read something that captures truths you've always somewhat intuitively known in the recesses of your mind...and then someone writes them out and your response is, "Aha! That's it...the truth revealed!"  This was my experience with this book.  Graham Cooke not only exposes certain truths and realities for the sake of increasing interest in spiritual things, but he carries a practical desire to help rebuild the Church from ruins to riches.  He clears away a great deal of fog that's formed over years of the Church making peace with worldliness and does well to bring light that can awaken us to our senses.  He loves the Lord and pours it out on nearly every page.  You will be glad to own this book.
2692647
Pope Paul II writes convincingly that there is such a thing as Truth with a capital 'T'. In our Western society everything is said to be relative - what is "true" depends upon who you are and what the situation is. Not only here is an arguement for natural Truth that is absolute (no matter the person, place or time) but a gentle argument that draws the reader to at least consider such a thing. It is a thin book but what I call a "rich" book; it takes time to think about a page, a paragraph, even a sentence sometimes. But it is surely worth the time and effort to do so.
107377
Can we do this? Absolutely!!

I have complete confidence , O God; I will sing and praise you!
Psalm 57:7

Do I really? Do you? Complete confidence is a bit of stretch even on our best days. Tricia Lott Williford invites us to her table through her book.  Theres a bouquet of fresh daisies and a cute red mug with white polka dots. And oh, the caramel toffee scones. Cant forget those. Tricia invites us to her table to talk to us about two things:

1.  Stop being unhappy with ourselves.
2.  Stop second-guessing all of our decisions and commitments.

You Can Do This is about being the Confident Girl. Confident in her identity, beauty, intellect, aloneness, surroundings and more. Tricia is the head cheerleader who is the kind girl that brings the team into the fold. Everyone is welcome and in all of her words, she points us to the Head Coach.our relationship with Jesus.

Women take on quite a large role in life. Many are raising children while bringing home the bacon and cooking it, too. Many are fulltime with their children at home, with some longing for adult conversation. Most have many balls in the air with juggling skills that leave much to be desired.

Chapter 15 talks about vulnerability and the confident girl choosing vulnerability. Tricia talks about needing to borrow other peoples faith, courage and confidence when at one point, hers was all stripped away. The author teaches us that The Confident Woman can be vulnerable when her tribe is solid!

Some key thoughts from this book:

~Nobody gets to steal your confidence.

~Know how to be alone.

~You have the right to feel.

~Boundaries are a girls best friend.

~Be present in this moment.

Choose to not overreact.

You want to read this book. You will glean so much from Tricia Lott Williford and her words. She will feel like a good friend that you are sharing coffee and scones with and she points you straight to Jesus. No detours. No roads that are uncertain. That Confident Woman loves Jesus and helps me to love Him more!  I couldn't have loved this book any more!!

The truth is that when you love yourself, everybody wins.  Tricia Lott Williford
4495032
In todays world corruption, lies, and deceit permeate the power structure of many institutions.  Just look at the approval rating and mistrust of our government at the federal level.  It seems almost daily to get a news report regarding another official, local or federal, that has broken another code of ethics. It was refreshing to read Trooper Hopson's book and see what we don't usually hear about in the daily barrage of news reports.  Someone who took not the easy path, but right path.  I commend him for his courage to be ostracized for sticking to his beliefs and having the moral fortitude to stand against a powerful foe.  Trooper Hopson's book is truly an inspiration to me.  I couldn't put it down and read it all in the same day.  This book reinforces the truth that standing for what is right may prove difficult in the short term, but in the long term you as a person and we as a nation will be better off for it.  Truths like this is what has made America great and people who reinforce these values will ultimately preserve that greatness.  Thank you Trooper Hopson for being one of those people!
1079168
Truth is the truth but us humans play a game of hide and seek with the truth that we want and see and accept.
This book resonates deep in the truth of helping readers to understand the subtle vulnerability that we can have as
saboteurs of our own success. It teaches about the tools that can help us to overcome what we can't see with the old tools.
It teaches us that the words we say to ourselves are powerful and invites us to be nice.
3590985
I planned to review only fiction books on my blog, but I was enthralled with The Speed of Trust and reviewed it anyway.  It's definitely worth reading.  The premise of the book is that when people truly trust each other, they become more productive, work more quickly and are generally happier people.  Author Stephen M.R. Covey discusses four core principles of trust and thirteen trust-building behaviors that can be applied on a personal level, a relationship level, an organizational level and a societal level.

Very compelling reading with even more compelling ideas.  I read this book over the course of a couple of months because I wanted to really digest what I read and try to apply it.  I'm keeping it handy to re-read in the future when I need a boost.

Gwen Bristol
1151274
I am a book lover and I tend to read things even if I don't think I will agree or whatever.  I have taught my children that if we want to be able to defend what we believe, we must know how to do so intelligently, boldly, and with a spirit of excellence.  So, I must admit, I didn't get this book because I thought I found someone to agree with a belief I hold, nor was I seeking some great revelation, etc.  **Confession** When I first read the title, I was like really...how many people are going to deny Jesus and wake up in hell before they realize "It's too late!"  To be honest, I was looking for the next thing to read and nothing was calling to me on my Kindle.

That being said, I give this book five stars.  I won't tell you what my belief is on the topic and I won't tell you if the author swayed me or convinced me or anything else.  Honestly, that's not what this review is about.  I won't debate nor criticize someone for how they believe such a way, especially on public forum.  (If you truly are interested, feel free to message me and we can discuss it as adults.)

Back to my review...I will tell you that Mr. Morrison is very respectful in his approach to this topic, he is also very well studied.  He doesn't just throw out his ideas and run.  He doesn't just spew his words with no foundation.  Mr. Morrison DOES give foundation, sources, and very good points of reference to back up his beliefs and Biblical understanding.  This book is well thought out and written.  I would recommend that all believers read this.  Like I said, I'm not saying I do or don't agree with what he says.  I'm just saying that it gives us something to think about and research on our own and a point that we could all use as a jumping off point for diving deeper into what we believe and why.

I feel we should all be so grounded and knowledgeable of what we believe.  So, if you don't read it for any other reason, read it to gain a template of how to intelligently and respectfully defend what you believe and why you believe it.  After all, what do you have to lose?  If you truly believe what you say you do...can one person really shake that foundation, especially if it's built on the the "ROCK" that it should be?  And if they do, did your really believe it or where you just following the masses?
180209
Its great when you read something and realize that its the truth...its sets you free, like a  breath of clean air. The world has become so upside down that we constantly second guess thoughts and decisions. This book will put you right side up, it will give you the confidence to turn away from " self " and stand strong with Gods righteousness.
1157550
Clarity. Relevance. Humor.  This book is so easy to read, and the truths found within were such a wake-up call to me and I'm sure to others who have had the opportunity to read it.  People often talk about Christians "wearing a mask" or being "hypocritical".  I couldn't agree more with them.  But this book shows that  performance was never the plan. Farley backs up every point he makes with scripture, showing that all the hype about "joy" and "peace" God talks about is actually...real.  Who knew?!
1928746
I had the blessed privilege of meeting the author of this book.  I tell you, when I first met her - I was attracted to her "authenticity". In her eyes you saw, not only natural beauty, but wholeness. She is a people person, and her heart's desire is & was to interview (even) strangers- to help them pass their pain - to help set them FREE from any and all bondages. Tressa not only talks the talk; she walks the walk, leading by example - to help you heal.  She writes THE TRUTH - to help you cut thru the "BS" -  ensuring that you are reminded that you have one judge, and he died for you - to set you free.  No matter what life dealt you, you have a destiny; she reminded me of that early in her story.  When I read her book - much of it mirrored by life as a single woman; as a single mother; and, as a human being! Sometimes we bury stuff; only to see it resurface. The old folks use to say "dirty laundry always comes to the top"; or, what's hidden under the rug will resurface.  This writer made me walk thru doors that I hadn't been in, in a very long time.  While I'm 5'4" - after reading this book 4 months ago, I still feel like I'm 7'2" tall.  Her book exemplifies honesty, truth, repentance, restoration, face your fears, deal w/your "stuff".  It would be a great book club reading - providing you a path to wholeness.  I just wish it came with a journal or a workbook.  Above all - it shows her LOVE to set any victim, from any & all circumstances -->FREE!  Tressa took you on a tour that kept you entangled; letting you know - if she can tell her story, I can tell mine.  Stay tuned ... Thank you Ms. Devonne!
264655
This is a fabulous story of what God can do if we put our trust in Him. It opens with Jeannies ten year marriage in serious trouble. While her husband looked in wrong places to fix it, she went to Rome, northern Italy, Switzerland, and Germany and in the process found the living truth about God. Six months after she returned, she went with a friend Dan to the mountain farm near the Shenandoah National Park that she got in the property settlement from her divorce. Close to it was an old white shingled Baptist Church with a tin roof and no steeple that had been permanently closed. Still the mountain people seemed to want her to open it. Charlie pointed out the good things about the church: no windows broken, made from local wood, hymnbooks, tiny Communion glasses, and a working piano. She met Pam who told her about a food cooperative that could keep food prices down and helped her go berry picking. Her most urgent need though was to get a place to live. It wasn't easy to move into a house. When she tried to travel home, her radiator was empty and she needed to borrow a diaper to open up the radiator and get water to fill it. Sometimes she had doubts and thought God didn't exist, or wasn't good, or didn't care about her, but then she remembered His presence in St. Peters Square. When the town people wanted her to open the church, she called the rural missions department of Wesley to find courses she could take to help her. She had to depend on God over and over. When she confronted hunters on her property, she reminded them that there were cows roaming and people walking that they might kill. When people dropped in unexpectedly, she learned patience and forbearance. When someone said they had the legal right to the church, he also told her he would rent it to her, but she didn't need to pay anything. She discounted the statement, but later learned it was true. A piano tuner was stunned when he found their piano was good in spite of having been in a closed building for twenty years. Another time a rattler didn't strike when she encountered it while praying. Over and over she learned God was taking care of her!
4392097
Whether you look at Chester's story as fanciful fiction or as absolute truth, the message is an important one for our time.  While the world is torn with religious strife and dissension, Chester's message is one of inclusion.  God speaks to all his children and gives them all of the truth that they are ready for and can understand.
Look at the world's religions to see what you can learn from the truths that they hold, rather than to prove that one is right and the others are wrong.  What a wonderful idea!  It's an idea that can bring peace and understanding.  Not only that...you just might find something you have spent a long time searching for.
I did.
A great book!
2587192
"Learning How to Trust Again" speaks to the heart through real-life stories about people facing difficult contemporary issues. The book provides wonderful tools, centered on Scriptural truths and Biblical examples that will help you recapture your well being, rebuild failed relationships, and renew your trust in God. The authors clearly lay out your options and walk you through the recovery process.

Within the text are important questions to help you apply key principles to the specific trauma that is robbing you of trust, whether divorce, financial loss or ruin, death or loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or childhood trauma. The authors point the reader to resources and supportive forums that are available to assist in the process of healing and wholeness.

Application of these Biblical truths will instill a new sense of trust, inner joy, and happiness, to transform your life. I plan to use these spiritual lessons to help me work through the process of forgiveness so that I can walk the trust walk of faith.

"Learning How to Trust Again" reveals how trust is destroyed and how it is rebuilt.  Full of deep spiritual insight the book is written for everyone in the recovery process wanting to experience restoration. This book should be on the suggested reading list of every lay, pastor, and professional counselor.
3969245
This book is one written with facts and stories of people who applied wisdom and reached successes .  He includes his own stories of  growing in wisdom and the influences that surrounded him. He also shares stories of others who ignored it and paid dearly.  The author demonstrates that to have knowledge is one thing but to apply it, truly is real wisdom.  He has given examples of those who took what they thought were the easier path but those ways only ended in greater loss, disgrace and punishments.  This book screams INTEGRITY . You must have it; protect it and be prepared that  it will cost you  but in the end  its your moral compass and will  protect and in the long run prosper you.

While not my favorite book to date, I did enjoy different parts of his book. I see the value in his writing these down, to bring people's attention back to truth; even biblical truths.
Its sad to see that it is necessary to point out, teach on, things that we once KNEW and have tossed aside as unimportant.  Really sad, that it needed to be pointed out that we absolutely need to find time every day to get quiet and just THINK! Some may say, how arrogant of him to write that, but I believe how brave of him to point out that basic truth.  Master what you have been given, instead of it mastering you.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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
1537851
Lisa Arceri's TRUST: Gracious, revealing, engaging, clear and deep...all in the time of about an hour or two.
Readers are treated to "aha!" moments, laughter, "I KNEW it"s and "What? no way!" moments. Most importantly we get a true glimpse into God's comments on "power" and of how He deals with His children. The most exciting place to be is in God's symphony- being on His team TRUSTing.