Let Go by Shelia Walsh (11/8/09)
Reading Let Go gave me the courage to put aspects of my life into perspective. This is the first book that I have read by Shelia Walsh. This book was not as easy for me to read. However, I did enjoy the fact that she reminded women the importance of forgiving ourselves and others. I do think she did a good job of pointing out how freeing ourselves from shame and guilt can allow us to live a life of freedom and liberation.
Each chapter began with scriptural references, quotes and sayings that reinforced the concepts of the chapter. I really like how she ended each chapter with a prayer of deliverance. Reading this book helped me to acknowledge that I can be victorious. I don't have to be shackled by the events of my past.
I would recommend this book to any woman who is struggling with the shadow of the past. Reading this book shows women how to live a life free of these shadows by actually applying God's word to their darkest situations.
Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women do Differently by Marcus Buckingham (11/8/09)
Find Your Strongest Life is a self help book that gives women realistic tips for building or rebuilding a successful life. Marcus Buckingham did an excellent job of examining the obstacles that can stand in a woman's way and prevent us for living a life that is intentional. This book is a great resource for women of all ages and stages in life. After reading this book I have clarity and was able ot develop a strategy to strength various areas of my life.
Find Your Strongest Life was an easy read that also allows its readers to identify their lead and supporting life roles. Identifying our preferred life roles allows women to be start thinking about the choices we make. Instead of arbitrarily living life, we can design a life that is authentic and full of integrity. The book refers its readers to The Strongest Life website so that its readers can do an immediate assessment of their life roles. This assessment is another tool that women can use to Find their Strongest Life.
The end of the book provides great tactics for tackling a stronger future. There are quick tips for developing a stronger future, a stronger career and how to cultivate stronger children. Reading this book gave me inspiration and motivation to be intentional in living each day.
Fearless by Max Lucado (9/8/09)
Fearless is Max Lucado's newest book and it lives up to the title. The book is simply FEARLESS! Max Lucado is blessed with the gift of inspiring others. In Fearless, he shares what a great gift life is and how fear limits us from living our lives to the fullest extent possible. This book does an excellent job at dissecting the common fears we face in life. Not only does the book examine these fears, but it also provides its readers with a road map of courage.
There are numerous examples of how others have overcome their fears to live the life God intended. The book also uses scriptural references as tried and true examples of how we should rely on God; not ourselves, others, money or fame. Max Lucado does an excellent job of demonstrating how these Biblical references can be applied to dispelling the fears we face in today's world.
This was an excellent book that is anointed. This book gave me a gentle reminder that there is more to life than my problems. From the very start of the book, I was intrigued and encouraged hat I can live in a life that is fearless.
The X and Y of Buy by Elizabeth Pace (7/8/09)
The X and Y of Buy is a good book that enlightens readers on the differences of how and why males and females tend to spend their money. Elizabeth Pace did an excellent job of explaining how brain development, hormonal balances, emotional and gender differences influences the spending patterns of males and females. She presented this information in such a way that it is not boring or too technical.
Her research on the topic was thorough and provided those who are in sales or marketing with valuable unbiased information. This book went into great detail to explain the best approaches that should be employed to sell to men and women. For instance, she outlined the differences between the best time of day to approach men and women to buy something. Ms. Pace even outlined the small details of how men and women perceive handshakes and how both sexes interpret non-verbal communication. She gave great examples of sales scenarios and how the information in the book could be readily applied.
I found this book to be very valuable. Reading this book would be an asset to those who are in the business of marketing or developing products or services. This book gave great information on how to approach each gender to start the sales dialog, as well as the ideas for sealing the deal. Most importantly, I think this book is a good resource for anyone. Ultimately, Ms Pace provided information on how to effectively communicate. Ms. Pace did a wonderful job of unveiling the mystery behind how the sexes communicate and perceive either others communication.
Everyday Greatness ~ Insights and Commentary by Stephen R. Covey ~ Compiled by David K. Hatch (8/9/09)
Everyday Greatness is a compilation of inspiring stories of extraordinary people. The stories, which were originally published by Readers Digest, demonstrate how anyone at anytime can make the conscious decision to experience greatness each day. Stephen Covey did an excellent job of narrating and expounding on the examples of greatness that was exhibited throughout the book.
Examples of how to experience Everyday Greatness were divided into 7 chapters:
- Searching for Meaning (Contribution, Charity, Attention)
- Taking Charge (Responsibility, Courage, Discipline)
- Creating the Dream (Vision, Innovation, Quality)
- Teaming with Others (Respect, Empathy, Unity)
- Overcoming Adversity ( Adaptability, Magnanimity, Perseverance)
- Blending the Pieces (Balance, Simplicity, Renewal)
All throughout these chapters were examples of how various people implemented these traits into their daily lives. In story after story, it was evident that actively practicing these positive characteristics transformed their lives positively. Some people who were mentioned in this book were famous. Others I had never heard about. Nonetheless they all experienced Everyday Greatness through a shift in their mindset.
Each chapter also contained quotes that were related to its content. I found these to be extremely inspirational and motivating. The book was an excellent read and I will refer to it often. In my opinion, this book could be read from cover to cover, or it can be read out of sequence. In either case, I found Everyday Greatness to be moving and a great self improvement reference.
