Mark Within Salvation Book Review

Reading Mark’s story, the third book in Alisa Wagner’s Anoma Series was a total emotional roller coaster. Zach the brother of Ruth emerges as a very strong character in this book. He is now known as Mark so that he can remain under the World Government’s radar after completing a daring robbery of the World Bank. He and his friend Li are on a mission to strengthen their underground network so that Pastor Tom’s and Ruth teachings can have a wider reach. 

There are many twists and turns in this book as the story comes together. Mark and Li are doing an excellent job working to expand the underground network however, Mark has a secret that could put their entire operation in jeopardy. Also, danger follows Ruth and their expanding colonial family.

I love the way this underground group has grown into a strong family unit who are there for each other even in the face of danger. They continue to encourage and pray for each other while living their lives with hope in the one true God. Their small but determined group thrive as they make inroads in weakening the World Government.

Alisa Wagner has done an excellent job with this book. You will find it hard to put this book down once you get started. I’m excited that she has decided not to end this series at three books and look forward to reading other books in this series.

If this book sounds interesting to you, check out the entire series on Amazon, starting with Eve of Awakening. I promise it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

No Fear: Fear Will Grip You or Grow You Book Review

Have you ever been excited about making changes to your life? You finally decided to start following your dreams when suddenly fear reared its ugly head? In your mind you go through all the different scenarios, the what ifs, the what will people think, the I cant’s...  After a while your excitement drains away and you find yourself stuck in limbo with your dreams remaining something that is always in the distant future.  

If this describes you in anyway, or if you’ve ever given in to fear at any time in your life then Lisa Shaw’s new book, No Fear: Fear Will Grip You or Grow You is exactly what you need. 

When I got my copy of No Fear, the first thing I did was scan the table of contents. Topics such as, Who Told You That You Can't? What are You Hiding Behind? Your Internal and External Dialogue and Permission to Reinvent Yourself, made me look forward to having a quiet moment to delve into the book because at one time or another I've been paralyzed by many of them.

I was not disappointed. I found so much eye opening information between the pages. The workbook style encourages you to really look within yourself and find what you're afraid of and confront it. It makes you want to dust off old forgotten dreams and have another go at them. Lisa Shaw speaks to the very heart of the reader and encourages you to not allow fear to grip you but let it be an opportunity for growth.

This book has truly been a blessing. I plan to go through it again more slowly and prayerfully consider the questions at the end of the chapters.

If you’d like to purchase of copy of No Fear, stop by lisashawcares.com  I promise this book will prove to be a tool of great encouragement and motivation.

Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~

Let's All Be Brave Book Review

In Let’s All Be Brave, Annie’s first book for adults, Annie calls you to grab hold of the brave life you desperately desire. Using honest and often humorous illustrations from her own life, contemporary real-life examples, and fascinating biblical stories, she challenges you to step into those places that require courage and gives you the help you need to take the next step forward . . . even when it’s scary.

Review

To see yourself the way God sees you is the first step in being brave.

When God tells you to be brave, he will make it work. It won’t be perfect.

 It won’t be easy but it will be your story and your best story. 

Annie Downs

I thought I know what bravery looked like which is why I’ve never described myself as brave, not once.  I’ve always tried to be brave, wished I was brave but never felt particularly brave.  Hence when Annie Downs announced her book, Let’s All be Brave.  I knew I wanted to read it just to see what bravery looked like in someone else’s life.

I found pieces of my story in Annie’s stories of bravery.  There was a particular chapter that I felt was written almost verbatim from my own life.  It brought me to tears.  I took my time reading and stopped often to reflect on Annie’s transparent words.  It made me realize that bravery isn’t series of things that you do or even a huge or dangerous act.  We can all be brave even as we make simple everyday decisions. Bravery can look like simply making a concerted effort to do the hard things even when it doesn’t seem to make sense to do so.

My takeaway from Annie’s book is… we all have our moments of insecurities and seemingly insurmountable mountains to overcome but if we just take it one moment at a time, one act at a time, one day at a time… we can all be brave.

Trusting Him,
 ~Bernadine~

Life Without Limits

During my summer vacation I always have my list of books to read and this summer was no different.  However I found myself pushing them aside and focusing on a book I randomly picked up at the bookstore.  I had seen Nick Vujicic many times on clips on YouTube and read articles that people had written about him so when I saw his book Life Without Limits I decided to buy it.

Part of the synopsis of the book states:

 Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic overcame his disabilities to live an independent, rich, fulfilling, and “ridiculously good life” while serving as a role model for anyone seeking true happiness.

As I read the book I was totally captivated by Nick’s attitude. I was also inspired by his determination to find his place in life in spite of his limbless body.

What I liked about the book is that Nick doesn’t hide the fact that he had times when he struggled.  He had times when he questioned, why?  He had times when he was despondent and considered giving up.  In fact there was a time when he actually contemplated suicide, but thankfully he never followed through.

Today Nick inspires many as a motivational speaker.  He reminds people that no matter what their circumstances are God has a purpose for their lives.

Nick’s message in this book is simply that you CAN live a life without limits if you trust in God.

Below is a short clip of one of Nick's motivational messages.

Trusting Him,

~Bernadine~

Reflecting on Plan B...

From the first time I heard about Pete Wilson’s book Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?  I knew it was a book I needed to read.  So a few days ago I finally bought a copy.  

I haven’t had a book reduce me to tears in a very long time.  However this one has.  As I read I was reminded me of the lyrics to a Roberta Flack song…

I felt he found my letters
And read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right on


Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words


It may seem like quite a stretch, comparing Roberta Flack’s song to Pete Wilson’s book however his book Plan B struck a chord in the best possible way.  I found my story between the pages…  It’s difficult to reach to a point in life where it seems as if nothing is going according to plan.  You wonder where God is and why He isn’t doing those things you expect of him.

The book offers encouragement to people who find themselves in the midst of a Plan B.  Pastor Wilson emphasizes the point that although life may not have turned out the way you expect it to it’s not the end of the road.  God has a purpose in everything even the disappointing and terrible moments in your life.

Pastor Wilson interweaves stories of everyday people along with biblical characters who find themselves in the midst of a Plan B.  He emphasizes that even our biblical heroes like Job, Joseph and others had moments when they knew they did everything right but still life went horribly wrong.  Dreams didn’t materialize family and trusted friends let them down.  The unfathomable happened, God seemingly forsook them… but yet they stood strong.  Life didn’t miraculously become better but God used the terrible moments in their lives for his glory.

In spite of my many words I am only halfway through Pete Wilson’s book.  It’s not a book I want to rush.  I’m reading and stopping to let it sink in because this is exactly where I am right now in the midst of a Plan B trying to figure out what God wants me to do next…

Have you read the book Plan B?  What are your thoughts?

Trusting Him,
Bernadine

You Are Beautiful in God's Eyes - Book Review

I am beautiful! Three simple words, yet for many women they are the most difficult words to say. Why? Why do we find it so hard to look in the mirror and see beauty staring back at us?


Lisa Shaw addresses my question (and I’m sure many other women) in her book You Are Beautiful in God’s Eyes.

Lisa’s book is an excellent, easy to understand, touching read. It seems almost as if you’re sitting across the table from your best girlfriend having a cup of tea and a little heart to heart conversation.

First and foremost she invites us to see what God says about us. Next, she takes us into different reasons why we may see ourselves as less than beautiful. Several times as I read I found myself nodding my head because I identified with what I was reading.

I found this book to be one that reaches out to encourage and uplift women. I found myself following some of Lisa’s closing words at the end. She encourages her readers

“Now, go look in the mirror and smile the biggest smile you can and say I am beautiful in God’s eyes. I am filled with His deeper inner beauty! My life and my heart are His.”

Powerful words I’m sure you’ll agree and really, isn’t it what God thinks about us that really matters?

You can find out more about purchasing a copy of You Are Beautiful in God’s eyes here.


Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~