Uplifting And Inspiring
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I'd never heard of Katherine and Jay Wolf or read their blog before, but as soon as I heard about their new book, Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love, I knew I wanted to read it. I was actually kind of glad that I went into the book fresh, not knowing anything about them or their story beforehand, because it was all new to me. I always love reading memoirs of people who have overcome great obstacles and have gone through great titles, and this certainly qualifies. When Katherine and Jay's new son was just six months old, Katherine suffered a massive stroke. Miraculously, she survived, and has gone on to make incredible strides in her recovery. The book description reads:

"When all seems lost, where can hope be found?

Katherine and Jay married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams, they planted their lives in the city and in their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just 6 months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.

On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into micro-brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was completely uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through 40 days on life support in the ICU and nearly 2 years in full-time brain rehab, that spark of hope was fanned into flame.

Defying every prognosis, with grit and grace, Katherine and Jay, side by side, struggled to regain a life for Katherine as she re-learned to talk and eat and walk. Returning home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, they committed to celebrate this gift of a second chance by embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. In the midst of continuing hardships and struggles, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find...hope, hope that heals the most broken place, our souls.

An excruciating yet beautiful road to recovery has led the Wolf family to their new normal, in which almost every moment of life is marked with the scars of that fateful April day in 2008. Now, eight years later, Katherine and Jay are stewarding their story of suffering, restoration, and Christ-centered hope in this broken world through their ministry Hope Heals."

Hope Heals begins with a heartfelt introduction by Joni Eareckson Tada, no stranger to suffering herself. The book is divided into four parts: The Dream Broken, The Hope Deferred, The Miracle Continues, and The Healing Found. There are plenty of pictures included, which I always appreciate. This is a small book hardcover, 244 pages long, and it's a very quick read. As soon as I picked it up and read the first page, I just couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and how Katherine would be healed, and how their lives would be changed and affected. Jay and Katherine's strong faith is so inspiring, and God truly carried them through their entire ordeal - and continues to do so. I appreciated the raw honesty they displayed in sharing their story. They don't gloss over the trials or try to sugarcoat their story, but at the same time they're still so uplifting and full of faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs, or could use a faith boost of their own.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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I enjoyed reading this inspiring book! Although it is conversationally written, complex issues like spirituality and love are routinely referenced throughout. I could easily identify with the author's range of emotion as I flipped the pages; joy,  sorrow, peace.  The author's clever word choices and interesting perspective on life make for an interesting read.

No doubt you'll also be encouraged as you read Conversations from a Quest for Divine. I look forward to the next volume.
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Shirley Cheng's vibrant prose refreshes the soul. Her positive message of hope and love has universal appeal. In "Embrace Ultra-Ability" she writes about her appreciation of life, shares her insights and captures beauty in every moment. To Shirley, life is an adventure filled with possibility.

Reading "Embrace Ultra-Ability" is a positive experience that will lead you to a better life. Shirley Cheng's unique view of the world and encouraging words help you to see life from a different perspective. Some of the topics she addresses include: Time Wasters, Reality Checks, Lifelong Learning, Enlightenment, Spiritual Success, Unconditional Love, Faith, Gratitude, Hope and Goals.

As Shirley introduces her ideas she also talks about her own struggles and accomplishments. By embracing a life of purpose she shows the way to a much more positive lifestyle.

As a fan of Shirley's books I can also recommend her poetry and stories:

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Waking-Spirit-Prose-Poems-the-Spirit-Sings/dp/061513680X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dance-with-Your-Heart-Tales-and-Poems-That-the-Heart-Tells/dp/1411618580/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells</a>

~The Rebecca Review
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I highly recommend this book to any person seeking to be inspired to improve their lives, not through fear of chatisement, but due to being motivated by love. This is the first book that I have ever read, where I wanted to write the author, or in this case it would be the interpretor, and to thank her for the wisdom and insight that her work gave me. Just reflecting on the book gives me a warm feeling.

Catherine of Siena was a mystic who claimed to receive advice from God, and who also worked miracles in her time. This book relates the advice in an incredibly accessiblt tone. She writes about issues related to every aspect of life, our association with one another, and how to please God. Her advice is helpful to people from all walks of life, the lay person and religious as well.

Central to her message is the great love that God has for us all. That God loved us before we knew and loved Him, and the onyl way to give likewise such love to strangers who know not and possibly will not love us. She writes too about one of the greatest ways that we can offend God is by not believing that he has sufficient mercy to forgive us our sins, if we are contrite and ask him for forgiveness, because this belief contradicts the notion that God's mercy and love for us is great. She writes that sin is horrible becuase it ofends God's goodness, and it harms our neighbor.

She cites many biblical sources that reflect the advice that she has recieved. It seems cliche to hail a book as life-changing but this book greatly transformed me and my relationship with God for the better. It is an inspiring and uplifting read, and may be particularly useful to those experiencing spiritual dryness.
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I totally enjoyed this book.  It was uplifting and excellent advise for anyone needing positive insight and proof that success in life (no matter the positive direction) is possible.  I look forward to reading more of Dr. Dyers writings.
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Really enjoyed this uplifting book. Author Michael Singer has books, website and inspiring quotes with a perspective that reminds us that he loves us and everything he's created and to look towards him for guidance.
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It was with great pleasure that I read Gaye's new book. I know Gaye's heart and her pure intentions to inspire and uplift others through faith and purpose. She does so beautifully in this book. The book is written in such a way that it allows you to pause and reflect upon your own family and circumstances. I felt deep gratitude that Gaye has been surrounded by such love and faith throughout her life, surely the reasons she is such an inspirational person. While professionally Gaye and I have taken somewhat different paths in our earlier careers, those paths have led us to a very similar place now, one where we deeply desire to help others live with more purpose and faith. If you desire inspiration, encouragement,and some good laughs, read this book. You will feel in some ways like you are reading the profound diary of a wise, dear friend.
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"Refreshment In Refuge" will do just that, it will refresh your spirit and remind you of God's unwavering love.
A compilation of short stories, from the authors own life experiences make this book very easy to relate to. You can easily feel the authors emotions as she shares her inspirational and uplifting stories of faith.

 I found myself completely drawn into this book after reading the first story titled The Refreshing, in this story an owner of a garage thinks that he has run over his beloved family pet Alfie, and unable to bear taking the animal home to bury he places it in a dumpster. He worries all day about how he will break the news to his family, especially his daughters, so when he blurts out the news, and as the family mourns, the heavens open up and rain begins to fall, it was as if God was sharing in their grief. When the man arrives at his garage the next day, a neighbor of the body shop informs him that his dog has been barking in the dumpster, what joy the man must have felt, and what a celebration his family must have had that night. What Alfie needed was a little reviving. Sometimes as Christians we also need a little reviving.
Their is also a chapter titled 10 things a christian must know, and eleven things one cannot live without, that I have found myself referring to several times even after finishing the book. I think because of the straightforward, clear way this book is presented it would be perfect for Bible study groups, but individuals would also find it a useful study tool as well. I feel like it would also make a great gift for anyone who needs a little encouragement or spiritual "refreshing" in their life.

Even though I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author, it in no way alters my opinion of this book.
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This is an absolutely wonderful book!  It is broken down into daily readings that are full of love and inspiration.  It's a great way to start your day on a positive note.  The stories are genuine and come from the heart of the author.  In a time when negativity seems to be everywhere around us, this book is a beautiful reminder of the positives in life.
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This book shows how men of courage and faith can make an extreme difference in the world.  It is very uplifting and encouraging.  It makes you want to make your faith in Jesus real and alive by stepping out with the gifts that He gave you to help mankind.  A great read.
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This book is inspiring and uplifting with concrete usable ideas for someone working with a person who needs such care.
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I was truly inspired by this book on so many levels. The perspective in which the author delivered the content was uplifting even though you fully understood his motivation to write The Last Lecture. This book is about life and living to our fullest ability. Professor Pausch presents a candid account of his life providing the reader with lessons learned, seized opportunities and the role of perseverance. While this book is a natural means to allow his children to continue to learn about their father, the reader learns too. Imagine growing up with a foundation that dreams really do come true; this gives hope and optimism to so many. It has been said that good can come from the tragedy that people experience. This publication is an incredible example of just that. Professor Pausch's Last Lecture offers insight not only to individuals facing extreme challenges, but to all of us who continue to seek knowledge from others.
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The author is talented with unique storytelling abilities as this book comes to life before your eyes. A positive, uplifting and feel good story takes one on a different journey about a girl finding a friend she so desperately needs in the most unlikely place. This read contains messages such as standing up for animal rights, learning to accept disabilities, and moving forward in the face of adversity no matter what age. Its an inspiring story that I think children can connect with if they find themselves overcoming difficult challenges in childhood.
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Women of Uncommon Strength is a heartfelt, uplifting book and a joy to read.  The author paints the landscape with unique characters in vivid, living detail and the story unfolds by revealing the most important values in life.  These values were interwoven into the storyline and they speak to family, love, strength, unity and faith in God to overcome adversity and stay true to what really matters in life.  Anyone who reads this book will benefit from its uplifting and powerful message.  I recommend this book to everyone and the positive message developed by Gladney.  A very good read!
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It was wonderful and uplifting. Even though I am not divorced, I found the author's messages to be pertinent. She presents issues that are common to much of humanity. The way that Jeanette shows God leading, guiding, and sustaining her were such a big help. They encouraged me in many of my own areas of life struggles, transitions, and challenges.
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This is a wonderfully uplifting book which will inspire you to aim higher. The author includes daily affirmations which focus on attracting positive abundance, and when you follow along, you can achieve a better life too.
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This book is a thoroughly enjoyable and easy to read true story that will leave you feeling spiritually fulfilled and hopeful. David Lewis takes you on a pleasant journey through his early years being raised on an Ohio farm in a wonderfully close knit family and Christian community who patiently and lovingly nudge David's father, an agnostic, towards embracing God. His style is very down to earth and heartfelt, no lofty or damning religiosity. You can't help but love each of his family members and friends, even in their moments of failure. In the end, David's father is "born again" through a series of miraculous events that only our loving God could have bestowed, to bring David's father "home".