Settling for one's lot in life
581126
39 year old Leona has always aimlessly drifted through life and is only now attempting to find some direction.  Living in her sisters basement apartment, taking online nursing classes, and working as a home health provider, she has settled for her unambitious lot in life.  That is until her gynecologist reminds her that if she ever wants to have a baby, her time is running out.  This plants a seed in Leonas mind that drives the rest of the novel.

As she pursues a course of action, other variables in her life threaten to derail her plans.  Her sister Carly is so negative and unlikeable, and does nothing but try to dissuade Leona from her ambitions.  She is convinced shes right about everything, shes insufferable.  This dialogue is a perfect example of the sisters interactions  Carly: Its not going to be that way.  The way you want it. Leona: So it should be the way you want it then?  I didn't feel sorry at all for Carlys familys situation because they were living far beyond their means and she is selfish to think Leonas life revolves solely around her own family.  Leonas indecisiveness can also be frustrating, but I could appreciate her personal growth.  The one thing this book had going for it was its sense of humor and the author succeeded in adding a comedic levity to the novel.  Otherwise, I just couldn't relate to Leona and maybe it just wasn't my kind of book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
1177752
The book has the life experiences, and wisdom from them.  He was a Catholic priest, got married, became a minister, and then a business person for computer company Control Data.  He has a wide variety of experiences and common sense knowledge.  It has some spirituality, but not overly so.  He focuses on the realities of life, and decisions one must make.  How not to expect something for nothing.  Enjoyable and thoughtful read.
2671640
I found this to be a worthwhile read with the caveats that, like a lot of self-help books, there was a some filler and that much of the focus of the book didn't address my life.

The author carried with him an assumption that women reading the book would be working moms and that their concerns and stresses would concern juggling work and child-rearing. I suppose it's a statistically safe bet, but it also meant that much of the book, while interesting, was not germane to my life.

I've noticed that these types of books also tend to encapsulate some fairly simple advice, but adds a lot of anecdotes and repetition, and this book is no exception. It's almost as if they're trying to sell you on something you already own. Once the "selling" was over and the book began in earnest, I found it to be well-written, interesting, and helpful.

What I did like is the central advice of the book. The concept that working to improve weaknesses is not as important is playing to and celebrating your strengths, that there's no great value in a balanced life, because not all areas of your life are going to be equally rewarding. There was some insight in there that I'll take with me.

There's also a quiz on what role you play in life. I was impressed with the results that say I'm an equalizer, because it describes my motivations and interests accurately and in a way I've never seen before. The author made me realize some strengths that I'd overlooked and now I can make efforts to bring more of the things I truly enjoy into my life on a more regular basis.

Filler aside, a focus that doesn't reflect my life aside, I'm better off for having read this book and my guess is that if you're a woman who is wondering why with all the choicest you have, all the blessings in your life, happiness still eludes you, that you'll come away with some answers and solutions
1591254
Brooke Holloway would like give in to the desire to stay in bed and grieve the loss of husband but she has two active children  and a business to run.  Her mother helped for a while but she had become to dependent on her now it was time to face life head on.  Her daily routine keeps her focused on her job  but memories of her deceased husband still occupy most of her thoughts.  Just like now when her thoughts were interrupted by Owen Saunders the new man in town. He recently bought one of the biggest old mansions in town that was in need of much repair and since she owned a hardware store he would become a frequent customer. Her coworker keeps pushing her to find a new man even though she keeps telling her and everyone else that she is in no hurry to start a relationship.  But brother if she were looking, which she isn't, this handsome guy would fit the bill.

Owen Saunders admits to himself he may have, as the saying goes, "cut off his nose to spite his face", by purchasing a huge old house that is turning into a money pit.  This is the house his cheating ex wife had dreamed of owning, so he bought the house just to rub into her face.  He was determine to finish the house as close to the original as possible.  He must admit he will probably never get it to original since he knows nothing about renovating anything.  So here he is renovating this old house when his is heart probably in worse condition than this old house.  He has had to make many trips to the hardware store owned by a very attractive lady.  The more they see each other it is apparent they are building a friendship but they both made it clear they were looking for nothing more.  God tends to have a say in what is planned for our life's plan. Maybe He wants them to start anew letting go of the bitterness and pain from their past and to trust in love.

The author adds many other interesting characters to the mix like two precious children, two grandmothers, a missing grandfather, a rebellious teen, a couple of crack head parents, a stray cat and well intended friends.

I found this an endearing story of love lost, bitterness, revenge, trust issues, tribulations and reconciliation.  In the author's writing I could see God's plan in restoring the lives of His children.  The author also writes about how the characters let anger, abandonment and fear eat away at their lives until they slowly and sometime quickly turning from God yet proves He never turned from them.

In one part of the book Owen advises Brooke on the importance of forgiveness and she points out," Isn't that kind of like the pot calling the kettle black".  It is like seeing the err of our ways through another person's eyes or better yet by reading a great book like this one.

I highly recommend this book. It would be a great book for a book club and/or reading group. There are some very enlightening discussion questions at the back of the book.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from  Thomas Nelson/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.
3253196
This appears to be a light hearted story, but one of the nicest parts is that this lovely young girl holds onto her original
goals in spite of love and riches.  It also demonstrates that a young fellow can get serious and stop behavior that
really had held him back.  It also shows that young people can be very responsible once maturity is reached.
3275091
Just do it.  Don't focus on what you can't have, focus on the outcome & benefits. Such a reward. Great!
4903195
A little more self-help than novel for my taste. But I get the sentiment that makes it so popular. Worth a read, especially for those on the cusp of life changes.
3736150
My parents were both depression era children so they grew up with a lot of beliefs and ideas about money that were not exactly empowering to say the least. Money was scarce and limited, money didn't grow on trees, there was always more going out than coming in, and so on...and this was their experience which was also mine because they raised me with these beliefs and I accepted them because why on Earth would my parents lie to me.

The fact is, they wouldn't have. They just didn't really know any better. I firmly believe that we are all doing the best we can with what we know. But even though I still believed these limited beliefs about money, there was something in the back of my soul that knew that money was something much, much more...that these little slips of paper were just representations of something else...I didn't exactly know how to put it into words but thank God for Joseph Murphy because he did in this great and wonderful book on prosperity.

All money really is a consciousness...an awareness...simply put, if you are thinking scarcity and limiting thoughts, you will create situations where your supply will be scarce and limited. I'll give you a little story that kind of embarrasses me, but taught me a valuable lesson about prosperity and abundance. About 20 years ago when I was just in my early 20s, I received an insurance settlement from a car accident I had and I received two sizeable inheritances from my grandfather and my great-aunt. All told, I had about $75,000 at one time. My beliefs about money were along these lines, "I spend money like there's a hole in my pocket", "easy come, easy go", "I don't deserve to feel happy"...the last one was never really spoken outloud, but I really did feel this way about myself and about my life.

Well, I saw that $75,000 sitting in my bank account and there was really only one thing I saw myself doing with it; and that was to spend it as fast as possible. It did not make me feel comfortable, I did not look it as a blessing, I looked at it as something that I needed to get rid of as soon as I could because I had to keep the belief of "I never have enough" valid and working in my life. It took me approximately six months to get down to $3.56 in my checking account....."Ahhhhhh...I feel so much better now..."

But now i know the truth about myself and about money. I know that I am deserving. I know that I am worthy. I know that money flows freely and easily. I know that there is always more than enough and yeah, money does seem to come to me in wonderful and unexpected ways. I have yet to receive a huge chunk of cash like I did 20 years ago, but who knows, maybe one day I will and now that I have a "prosperity consciousness" I will be better guided and directed to use my money in more empowering ways.

But, if you have not yet developed a prosperity consciousness and need some help getting rid of your money, drop me a line, I can give you my address so you can mail me some.

:)

Money is good. Money is wonderful. Money comes to me easily and frequently. I am blessed with prosperity. I am abundant. I am sourced by the Divine....think big...think rich...see yourself as abundant and so shall you be...
4260068
Enough: Finding More by Living With Less

The Front Cover

The title matches the picture of the imbalanced seesaw. It has four houses, from smallest to biggest. The smaller houses are heavier than the bigger houses, indicating that there could be a benefit to having less.

The Back Cover

There is a big and bold all-uppercase question that grabbed my attention: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH?

A brief synopsis follows on how the culture actually motivates us to strive for more and Will challenges us to experience the peace that comes from being content and compassionate to help those less fortunate.

There is a blurb from different individuals who have added their comments concerning the book.

There is a brief description of Will Davis, along with his picture.

The book is categorized as "Christian Living" and the publisher is Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and their web site is also listed.

Table of Contents

This page is very well organized, consisting of three main parts: an introduction, a main body with the main points and subpoints, and a closing conclusion.

The introduction sets the stage for the rest of the book.

The main body consists of five main points, each with two to five sub points.

The conclusion closes with questions with the very last question a call to action: What will you do?

There is also a Notes section at the very end that has a list of references.

The Introduction

There is a contrast between someone who seems to have it all and a couple that realized they need to get rid of some "stuff", work less, and give more away in order to be content.

Sandwiched in between these two contrasting stories is the Bible. God actually shows us numerous verses about money and wealth, and the rewards and consequences of pursuing either one.

Will invites you to discover what it means to "move toward enough"

The Main Body

If you want to find out how much is enough, more than enough, and less than enough, read the book.

If you want to know how to move toward enough by actually having less, apply the information in this book.

The Conclusion

Abraham had a decision to make. Since both Abraham and his nephew Lot were very well off, their herdsmen began to fight over the grazing and water supply. Abraham made the decision for them to go their own way, plus Abraham allowed Lot to choose where he wanted to go.

But Will goes further by getting you (the reader) involved by asking you this question several times: What would you have done?

Then he keeps you involved by asking the following question: What will you do? Will you do this or that... And finally, he closes with the same question as a call to action: What will you do?

Overall

This is a truly MUST READ LIFE CHANGING book for those who need direction in having enough "stuff" to live on, and experience the peace and compassion of helping those less fortunate by living life God's way and not ours.
8236
Working and living  with A type people can really be a struggle. Finding the balance is great creating peace within the home is magical. Something I would like my family to know about.
1152911
Mr. John Skoutelas's The Post-College Memoirs of Paul Hutson is a delightful read particularly for recent college graduates who are not only searching for themselves but also searching for life's next challenge.  Follow the main character Paul Hutson as he discovers who he is and what he is made out of.  This semi-serious, semi-comical story discusses topics such as relationships, the addiction to facebook, the pain-staking process of searching for a job in a horrible market, and making the most out of life's contingencies.  One lesson that we can all learn from Paul Hutson is that life is just waiting for us to grab and run away with it.
3354224
A very enjoyable story of a young man raised in a wealthy family and enjoying a life of leisure and very attractive young women.  He, they, are referred to as rakes.  But. As with most things, he, they, come into good sense, fall in love with young women who have their heads on straight.  Also called besotted guys!  It is a pleasure to see them become engaged, etc., enjoy with them some of their indescressions.  A very good read!
1424548
A good story that helps one feel blessed to have a home and family. It shows God's plan to put the right person in the right place at the right time.
2441514
I've known this man for 70 years and challenge you to find any person with more drive, aim for perfection and more importantly the constant pursuit of caring for family.  His integrity and honesty often conflict with other's desire to shave corners or their efforts lacking in total commitment.  Here is a story that exemplifies what can be accomplished with desire and faith in his belief.
2386594
This novel demonstrates the importance of creating one's own happiness and not relying on material things to generate that. Gatsby believed that by becoming rich he could solve all his problems, but that only made him more somber with his already tainted life.

Gatsby had been living a tough life of rejection and decided to turn to the one thing he thought would help--money--and poured his life's ambitions into procuring that. He became so dependent on this solution that he would go to any means necessary to become rich. Gatsby would devote the next five years of his life to cheating and scheming his way to the top. He began illegal drug sales to generate more profit. His riches were gained by no honest means and represent a life of lying and shortcuts. That is no way to go about happiness. Happiness can only be achieved if one actually makes it for themselves. They cannot rely on material possessions to create that for them. Being truly happy takes effort, and that is something Gatsby does not know how to give. Taking the easy way out will never lead to any blissful ending.

Gatsby has to learn that lesson the hard way as his riches begin to worsen his life, not better it, and people take advantage of him and only want him for his money. Gatsby feels lonely in this world as he begins his new life as an elite "business man" so he invites people over to his house to enjoy his money with him. He soon realizes that spending time and money on strangers does not make him any better off than before his riches. His money can only make others happy, not himself. Those people who he begins to believe are his friends do not care about him in the least bit; they only want him so that they can enjoy the same luxuries as he does. These people that spend all hours of the night at Gatsby's house do not appreciate him enough to come to his own funeral. No one cares about him except his father and neighbor. Having money does not make Gatsby happy and it will not make any one else happy. The only thing that warrants true happiness is having people who love and care about each other and that will not forget their true friends when they need them the most.
3308886
The author has reminded us about
being realistic when trying to reach our goals.
The incorporation of  baby steps into the process will allow for a more realistic expectation.
It is a difficult concept to re-learn
for those who have plunged from financial
security and the confident lifestyle they enjoyed
to the spartan lifestyle
that financial loss will place one into.
The mindset must correspond to the
new financial situation. Not one of meekness
but one of confident determination.
The author also addresses the importance of having
a healthy relationship with money and not being afraid
to openly raise any questions that one may have in
any given business. This is particularly true for women
who fear appearing ignorant about anything to do with finances. By not being
equipped to make wise decisions dire consequences will
inevitably ensue.
The author knows what she is talking about having been
in the field of banking herself and personally experienced
financial loss. Her focus on emphasizing at the outset that  one
maintain their  self  is imperative to getting back to one's
financial independence. Setbacks are not permanent.
This book is also suitable for those who wish to avoid the
hidden traps that one will eventually fall into if not well
informed at the outset. I highly recommend taking the time
to start the New Year right and reading the wise counsel that
the author is offering us.
3628887
A wonderful addition to my libary by the second most read author or book! It will put me on the right path to personal sucess and riches!