Simply an Inspired Life
588258
I have had great difficulty in writing this review - not because I don't like the book - I do, in fact I give it 5 stars!  The difficulty lay in embracing and writing about its value for me personally.  Not all parts resonated with me, but that doesn't mean those parts may not be totally germane for me in the future. It's a book to re-read and re-read, to keep in sight and at hand - not to shove away on a shelf.
 Quite early in the piece, I realized "Simply an Inspired Life" wasn't for the 'faint-hearted' and timid - it's not just another pretty-pretty self-help book you can sail through and then dismiss, in fact it took me enormous courage to confront the veiled parts of myself through its promptings - especially early in the book - I was laid low in Chapter 3 with all my assumed and imagined 'obligations' - all my habitual suffering-inducing patterns. (God! - who'd have known, I had so cleverly hidden them)!!
 I was in shock - this was not the easy, happy, feel-good read I had been expecting - it was cathartic!
So I dare you, if you're opening the book for the first time - dare to do the presented exercises, they will stir up the old, subtle, hidden gunk that is clogging the joy from your life.  And this ain't pretty or nice - it's downright painful!  So you ask yourself: "Do I let myself feel this pain and deal with my pernicious habitual reactions, or do I reach for the usual palliatives - food, TV, etc and stay stuck in my own sludge?"
 Did I say it was cathartic? Yes it can be - and for me, I had to swallow the 'medicine' and fearlessly flush out my resistances to change - but after the many layers of self deception are purged you begin to glimpse an entirely new way of being.
 For this I am profoundly grateful and cannot recommend this book enough.

Barbara-Joy Weston, Intuitive Sound Shaman.
2077723
A well written, personal story of a man that short of his fortieth birthday, decided he needed to change his life and find a new lifestyle.
I find his story inspiring starting from the point many of us find ourselves in, and yet, deciding to challenge his own thoughts and doubts, and carve a new path. Doing his research, seeing what worked for him and loving and getting support from others around him.
Thanks for this Rich!
4159355
I have always been inspired by the life of Rich Mullins. This book allows me to gain a deeper understanding of his life and his faith in a way which truly encourages me in my daily struggles to understand life, the universe, God. I plan on doing something I very, very rarely do with any book- I plan on reading it again - probably several times :)
4871875
It is easy to think, my life is just one life, is my life worth sharing?  When your story points others toward God and the ways in which he works through the ordinary, challenges, and blessings, then yes!  A resounding yes!  Conti's memoir shows this to be true.  With the perspective of time, she shares how she has seen God at work.  How encouraging!  This is an easy book to read, as it is not organized with traditional lengthy chapters, but rather, brief reflections, journal entries,and prayers.  There are photographs and blank pages, providing opportunities for the reader to pause before continuing on.  Her memoir includes: death, divorce, single-parent struggles, uprooting, dreams lost, dreams realized, miracles, blessings of motherhood, and above all, God's faithfulness.  At the end, I am inspired to ask God for big miracles, seek his word for truth to hold on to at all times, entrust him with my dreams, and trust that He is in control.
1220719
This is a great book of inspiration. I found many ideas I already believe in, and use in meditation. It is a good reminder for those who have found the value of silence and reflection. Christina has also shared her passion for all of God's gifts and her strong faith, which is infectious! Reading this book on my Kindle I kept thinking there is something for everyone. It is a short read which is good for quick inspiration whenever a little attitude adjustment is needed.
4708329
Reading The Life of Billy Kim was highly inspirational. This humble autobiography highlights many themes, including the American immigrant life, spirituality, entrepreneurism, romance, global politics, and family. It is an easy read and gets you inspired in all aspects of life.
Also, the proceeds of the book go to a non-profit organization that sends out radios to North Korea so that their citizens can hear what's really going on in the world. Highly recommend it!
2913313
The book has not changed my life but it certainly has inspired and motivated me. I love Kindo's philosophy and belief system about the things that clutter our lives. She offers some great strategies to tackle the task of tidying up. Enjoyable to read.
1293198
Nothing more inspiring that reading a book that was written by someone who walks his talk,an example to us all how to live a fuller life right now.
4366757
A friend recommended this book to me. It is an inspirational book about taking time to think about if you are truly living the life you are supposed to be living or just part of the daily grind.
3789198
The author is inspiring, encouraging me of what it takes to walk in GODs plan for your life.  The author reminds us that we just need to let go and let GOD, we spend so much time trying to lead our own lives, when our heavenly father is right there waiting.
2105514
A very enjoyable book to read. It moves along easily, with great examples of incredible changes made by real people with seemingly miniscule resources at hand. This book will likely inspire you try out the simple concepts on at least one project in your life that has gotten bogged down. I've purchased another as a gift (I wasn't yet ready to pass along my own copy - I may want to re-visit some of the advice)!
4846568
This is a book that would hopefully inspire all people who love traveling to not feel limited by their lack of mobility. Most people think of traveling as a process where you pack as much of itinerary as possible into the number of days that you have taken off work to 'enjoy' your vacation. After that kind of vacation, you feel like you need another vacation to recuperate from it. The author here obviously sees beyond that very common attitude about traveling. Traveling to me is a spiritual process. It's not about making it to as many landmarks as possible, taking as many pictures as possible, or following the beaten path. To me, it is about seeing subtle but precious gems beyond the loud and commercialized attractions, filling yourself with spiritual food and inspiration. The author related myths and legends and documented history that revolve around the Tiber island. It makes me look at travel with fresh eyes. It also gives me an insight into how the past of the island connects with its present.

Taking your time, enjoying the moment, and appreciating the architecture, history, and legends behind the sculpture, hospital and church of this very small island, is quite easy to do. The text is often accompanied by pictures of the sights related so that the reader as a good visual of what they look like. This short guide is an easy read. It would be helpful if the author also includes an email address or website where readers who are inspired by the book can contact her for questions about the Tiber Island. I hope that seniors will be inspired by the author to take the unbeaten path and enjoy travel with a fresh perspective. After working hard all your life, you deserve to give yourself that.
4319316
I enjoyed reading Vegan 1 Day from the beginning to the end.  It's an inspiring book with heart felt stories of Carol and Johns spiritual journey in life, reminding us of the benefits of living a compassionate life.  I liked the phrase "Veganism is not a path of perfection; it's a path of kindness" This book is sure to inspire you. Good book.
4815766
This book is inspiring on a real-life, everyday level. The author writes about incidents from her own life that most of us will be able to relate to, and offers ways to keep the spirit of yoga flowing throughout the ups and downs of our lives. I've never liked those "inspirational" books full of cutesy quotes, and this isn't like that. It's just a down-to-earth, common-sense book that will make you think about how you deal with others, how to overcome your impatience, stress, etc.
1640439
I found John's book inspiring!  It left me wanting to hear more of his adventurous life stories and more of his faith journey!  His passion for life & his ability to share the simple truth of God's love for us is refreshing!  I think it would be a great read for youth through someone in their 80's.  We plan to share it with our family & friends!
1730470
It is said by many wise men and women that "success is in the doing, so do it now!"  Well, this book of "Stewisms" is another success that this new author, Scott L. Steward, can be proud of.

I love the simplicity of the book, and I found the tone and the messages to be inspiring and thought provoking.  Some of the greatest gifts come in small packages, and this book is one of those great gifts to share with those in your life who you care about and love, especially your young people.  Each of the "33 Stewisms" (the author gave us a bonus of two more of his inspirational nuggets) seem to be just what I needed to be reminded of at the moment that I read it.

Recently, I had an opportunity to meet the author during a book club reading and I was impressed by the overwhelming positive responses and feedback he received from the diverse book club members who were teachers (elementary, high school, and college level), social workers, business owners, professionals, parents, grandparents, and students.

If you're looking for a daily inspirational reading, then I strongly recommend "31 Ways to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."  If you're looking for a book to inspire your students and the young people in your life, then I strongly recommend "31 Ways to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."  If you're looking for a book to inspire yourself, then I strongly recommend "31 Was to Improve Your Life: A Book of Stewisms."

If you are striving to accomplish a dream, this author reminds us to remember Stewisms #29: "It's nothing until it's something."
1474977
This simple, honest little book really gets to the heart. Ron Papke has lived everything he shares. It's not cliche--he's literally gone from having nothing to creating an amazing life for himself and his family. He's truly an inspiration and someone we can all learn so much from. I recommend this book and I recommend following him on Facebook to see his inspirational messages and videos.