Christian Nonfiction Anthology to Inspire You: Women of Purpose

The Women of Purpose anthology is a collection of inspiring stories of professional women to encourage you to never give up on fulfilling your purpose in life. Each story will inspire you to reach for what appears to be impossible, and step out in faith and make your dreams a reality!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CHAPTER 1 Finding Her By Dr. Najah A. Barton

CHAPTER 2 Keep on Living By Jazmine Blake

CHAPTER 3 The Inseparable Sustainer By Vanessa Brown

CHAPTER 4 Girl, Breathe! By Veronica Clanton-Higgins

CHAPTER 5 No Plan? No Problem! By Alexandria Cunningham

CHAPTER 6 This Was It! By Nikeisha Darensburg

CHAPTER 7 Finding the Strength By Benta Davis

CHAPTER 8 Life in Words By Judy Davis

CHAPTER 9 Overcoming Abuse By Chontae Edison

CHAPTER 10 Making a Statement for Love By Rashell Evans

CHAPTER 11 Marathon Runner By Incredible Faith

CHAPTER 12 A Leap from Fear toward Purpose By Nealy Gihan

CHAPTER 13 Getting My Love in Order By Dr. Sandra Hamilton (Hill)

CHAPTER 14 Behind a Veil By Shanene Higgins

CHAPTER 15 Go! By Tasha Huston

CHAPTER 16 Redefining Your Purpose By Leona Johnson

CHAPTER 17 Nothing is Wasted By Nora Macias

CHAPTER 18 Girl, Me Too! By Leandra McLaurin

CHAPTER 19 No Matter the Circumstances By Shirlyon McWhorter

CHAPTER 20 A Heart That Forgives By Michele Mills

CHAPTER 21 The Journey to Purpose By Dr. Ngozi M. Obi

CHAPTER 22 Chasing A Dream By Beverly Reynolds

CHAPTER 23 The Meeting Place By Tiffany Richards

CHAPTER 24 She Chose Purpose By Jasmine Spratt-Clarke

CHAPTER 25 Her Freedom By Shaunic Stanford

CHAPTER 26 Who Am I? By Quinn Thompson

CHAPTER 27 Flip the Page! By Emem Washington

CHAPTER 28 Rebecca at the Well: Should She Water or Doppler The Dromedaries? By Dr. Michelle K. Watson

CHAPTER 29 Breaking Down Barriers By Dr. Pamela R. Wiggins

CHAPTER 30 Blossoming into my Purpose By Erin Williams

CHAPTER 31 A Rose from the Concrete By Deborah Young

Paperback: 230 pages
Publisher: Higgins Publishing (August 14, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1941580424
ISBN-13: 978-1941580424


Order here!

Book Review: Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Looking for a way to change how you think about your business? Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a step in the right direction.

Eric James Bratton goes to bed one night and awakens in a strange house with no idea how he got there. Strangely enough, this house belongs to his future self who has become wildly successful. Over one weekend, Eric is about to learn a philosophy that will change his life...if he lets it.

In this short inspirational book, Fenton and Waltz have used a format similar to The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael Maher to inspire readers to greatness: Go for No! features a fictional story teaching a true life lesson. Go for No! encourages readers to embrace failure instead of fear it. By seeking out more opportunities to be rejected, you're opening yourself up for greater success.

I love the idea behind this book. Not sure it's easy to implement without a coach or mentor nudging you along, but Go for No! will definitely change the way you think about life and your business.


Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Courage Crafters; 4th edition (April 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0966398130
ISBN-13: 978-0966398137


I received a copy of this book from a peer. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Closet Words by Kim Hilton

Closet Words by Kim Hilton is a moving devotional for serious Christians.

After growing up in an environment that included abuse, violence, and hunger, Kim Hilton, along with some of her siblings, was adopted. Though she had prayed to God many times throughout her life, in August of 2002 she heard God speaking to her. Taken word for word as she heard from God, Closet Words is a collection of what she wrote down in her journal in the privacy of her prayer closet.

What I feel makes this book so powerful is the recurring themes. The encouragement that God has heard her prayers. The comfort in knowing God is with her every step of the way. The talk of training for battle.

As I mentioned in my preview of Closet Words, the book is so unique because it includes images of Hilton's handwritten journal pages alongside the typeset pages.

Closet Words is broken down into three sections. The first includes the journal entries. The second holds some of the personal prayers Kim has written. The final section is a Reflections and Study Guide to deepen your walk with Christ. Meant to be followed privately or as part of a study group, each portion includes a Scripture reading, discussion questions, and assignment.

This is a beautiful book that I feel will touch believers in a special way.


Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: WestBowPress (December 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449774539
ISBN-13: 978-1449774530


I received a copy of this book through the author's publicist. I was paid a fee to promote this book with a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not cover any type of review. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Author Spotlight: Susie Larson and Embracing Your Freedom

While our culture places great emphasis on comfort, security, control, and success, there are deeper rewards for those who take hold of God’s promises and reach out in the Name of Christ. Adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Susie calls her readers to realize.

Many women feel stuck in their faith. They are bored living in a Christian bubble and long for the greater adventure of significance God designed for them! But just how do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice will give you a deeper understanding of your freedom in Christ and a bigger view of God's heart for the world.

EXCERPT

“As you become more aware of God's heart for freedom, your heart will burn for it as well. If you will dare to put your foot down on the promises of God and refuse to relent until freedom becomes your reality, your appetite for the freedoms of others will increase as well. Take seriously what God has offered you here, because as a Believer living in this day, you are in a powerful position of influence." --Embracing Your Freedom

"'Embracing Your Freedom' was written for you--a woman who desires to live in personal freedom and is willing to help the helpless become free. Prepare to be challenged and emboldened. Prepare to change and become more like Jesus!" - Kendra Smiley, conference speaker, and author of Be the Parent, Journey of a Strong-willed Child, and Do Your Kids a Favor...Love Your Spouse

"In this important book, Susie invites women into life that really is life by naming them, naming us, as agents to extend God's justice to those who are bound. Women today are hungry for this kind of holy congruity. Thank you, Susie!" -Margot Starbuck, author of The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail


Ask Susie about her conviction for women, and she'll tell you, "The two pillars in my ministry, the two things I care most about are for women to be drawn into a 'deeper life in Christ' that they might live more 'powerful lives on earth.' When we pursue a thriving, personal, intimate walk of faith, we can't help but be compelled to make a difference in our world." With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Women in Christian Media, and has served on the board of directors for the Christian Authors Network. Susie also regularly fills in as guest host for Along the Way - a two-hour talk radio show (AM Faith 900). Susie worked as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family, and published over fifty articles with them. She has been featured on radio and TV programs across the country, including Moody Midday Connection, Family Life Today, Chris Fabry Live!, The Harvest Show, and the LIFE Today Show with James and Betty Robison.

While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with Troy and Sara Groves, represented International Justice Mission's*concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. The four of them serve as co-chairs for the IJM benefit banquet in Minnesota. Susie and her husband Kevin have been married since 1985 and have three wonderful, grown sons. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go. Susie's messages will help you to:

Cultivate a more personal and thriving relationship with Jesus
Understand God's promises and be more bold in your faith
Understand your value and the important call on your life
Comprehend God's heart for the least-of-these.

You can visit Susie online at http://susielarson.com/.

*IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking. (visit www.ijm.org)

Book Review: Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson

I can count on one hand the number of books I've read that have moved me enough to inspire change. Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice is definitely one of those books!

Author and speaker Susie Larson calls readers to look beyond their self-focused lives and embrace their freedom in Christ so that they may bring that same freedom to those who need it. Journey with Susie as she shares her own challenges in seeking justice and finding the deeper rewards that await those who "take hold of God's promises and reach out in Jesus' name".

In this empowering book, Susie shares stories of women, who with help from the International Justice Mission, have embraced their freedom and become champions for others in need. Readers will be called to no longer be held captive by their pasts and to seek the freedom and justice only God can give.

In some ways, Embracing Your Freedom reminds me of another book by my favorite Christian author, Kathi Macias. Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World also called on readers to be true disciples of Christ. Larson's call is stronger and bolder, but still manageable.

While reading this book, I felt Larson was speaking directly to me, encouraging me to let go of the things that have held my heart captive, so that I may become the person He created me to be.

You will be forever touched and forever changed by Embracing Your Freedom!


Title: Embracing Your Freedom
Author: Susie Larson
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN-10: 0-8024-5280-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-5280-1
SRP: $13.99

Book Spotlight: Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson

While our culture places great emphasis on comfort, security, control, and success, there are deeper rewards for those who take hold of God’s promises and reach out in the Name of Christ. Adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Susie calls her readers to realize.

Many women feel stuck in their faith. They are bored living in a Christian bubble and long for the greater adventure of significance God designed for them! But just how do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice will give you a deeper understanding of your freedom in Christ and a bigger view of God's heart for the world.

READ AN EXCERPT!

“As you become more aware of God's heart for freedom, your heart will burn for it as well. If you will dare to put your foot down on the promises of God and refuse to relent until freedom becomes your reality, your appetite for the freedoms of others will increase as well. Take seriously what God has offered you here, because as a Believer living in this day, you are in a powerful position of influence." --Embracing Your Freedom

"'Embracing Your Freedom' was written for you--a woman who desires to live in personal freedom and is willing to help the helpless become free. Prepare to be challenged and emboldened. Prepare to change and become more like Jesus!" - Kendra Smiley, conference speaker, and author of Be the Parent, Journey of a Strong-willed Child, and Do Your Kids a Favor...Love Your Spouse

"In this important book, Susie invites women into life that really is life by naming them, naming us, as agents to extend God's justice to those who are bound. Women today are hungry for this kind of holy congruity. Thank you, Susie!" -Margot Starbuck, author of The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail


Ask Susie about her conviction for women, and she'll tell you, "The two pillars in my ministry, the two things I care most about are for women to be drawn into a 'deeper life in Christ' that they might live more 'powerful lives on earth.' When we pursue a thriving, personal, intimate walk of faith, we can't help but be compelled to make a difference in our world." With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Women in Christian Media, and has served on the board of directors for the Christian Authors Network. Susie also regularly fills in as guest host for Along the Way - a two-hour talk radio show (AM Faith 900). Susie worked as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family, and published over fifty articles with them. She has been featured on radio and TV programs across the country, including Moody Midday Connection, Family Life Today, Chris Fabry Live!, The Harvest Show, and the LIFE Today Show with James and Betty Robison.

While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with Troy and Sara Groves, represented International Justice Mission's*concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. The four of them serve as co-chairs for the IJM benefit banquet in Minnesota. Susie and her husband Kevin have been married since 1985 and have three wonderful, grown sons. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go. Susie's messages will help you to:

Cultivate a more personal and thriving relationship with Jesus
Understand God's promises and be more bold in your faith
Understand your value and the important call on your life
Comprehend God's heart for the least-of-these.

You can visit Susie online at http://susielarson.com/.

*IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking. (visit http://www.ijm.org/)

The Power of the Holy Ghost by Shay Bills, Author of Is Your Ghost Holy?

Today's guest blogger is Shay Bills, speaker, entrepreneur and author of Is Your Ghost Holy?: Eight Principles for Evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit. We reviewed this title here, and asked Shay to come discuss the power of the Holy Ghost with us. This is one of the eight principles she discusses in her book.


ALL POWER BELONGS TO GOD is how I begin chapter eight in my book, Is Your Ghost Holy?, because it is true and so profound that it still has people puzzled in the 21st Century. Saints of God do not have a hard time with the reality that in the beginning was God and God created all things including man and woman. But it is the undeniable power, the unquestionable ability and the unexplainable manifestation of His power that can not be expressed in words.

The Holy Ghost is absolutely necessary for saints of God to walk in the FULLNESS of Christ. There is no anointing without the Holy Ghost, there is no life without the Holy Ghost and there is no power as Paul describes in Phil. 3:10-11 when he says we will be made like Him in His resurrection power. Christians today have tried to take glory for who God is and what God does. Remember Christ made Himself no reputation, which ignited more power surrounding His being mere mortal man in the eyes of onlookers. But that same Jesus, coequal with the Father and the Holy Ghost, had all power. This being the same Jesus, when He ascended promised the Comforter would come, now resides in the inner man of Christians today and has ALL power. The Church, God’s church, has yet to see the manifestation of the power of the Holy Ghost. The power of the Holy Ghost is not in eloquence, delivery or knowledge. The power of the Holy Ghost is in the brokenness of humans so that all you see and hear is Jesus. Through brokenness the field is leveled and God’s people are on one accord and He can have His perfect work in our life, our ministry, our church, our family and this world. We live as if what happened on the Day of Pentecost ended in the book of Acts, not so. That same power is available and the Holy Ghost fire is still consuming souls today because somewhere people are tarrying, somewhere people are seeking Him and somewhere people are praying THY KINGDOM COME!

Blessings,

Shay Bills
Author of Is Your Ghost Holy?
www.shaybills.com

Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills - Book Review

Not every inspirational book you read is going to touch your heart or even make you think. But Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills does that and more. In this slender book full of powerful and moving words, the reader is given eight principles to help her evaluate her walk in the Spirit. The Principles of Truth, Life and Death, Faith, Love, Change, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and the Power of the Holy Ghost come together for an inspiring and empowering read.

The author's experience as a speaker, teacher and motivator truly shines in Is Your Ghost Holy?. Her conversational style and touching words will leave you thinking long after you close the cover on this book. But I recommend that you never really close this book, but leave it on your nightstand so that you can refer to it often, using it perhaps as a devotional on a regular basis.

Certain chapters may speak to you more than others. I found the seventh principle extremely helpful, especially considering some of the events I still hold onto from my past. In "The Principle of Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost", Bills discusses how unforgiveness in the Christian walk keeps many stagnant in Christ. She explores the dangerous place that the state of unforgiveness is. With a firm grasp on Scripture, she discusses how easy it can be to notice unChristian behavior in others, but not in ourselves. And she fully explains what blasphemy against the Holy Ghost truly is.

Learn how to take the road less traveled and stand firm on the Word. Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills will show you how.


Title: Is Your Ghost Holy?
Author: Shay Bills
Publisher: Saint Paul Press
ISBN: 978-0-9819672-7-1
SRP: $11.99 (U.S.)

Book Review: Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills

Not every inspirational book you read is going to touch your heart or even make you think. But Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills does that and more. In this slender book full of powerful and moving words, the reader is given eight principles to help her evaluate her walk in the Spirit. The Principles of Truth, Life and Death, Faith, Love, Change, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and the Power of the Holy Ghost come together for an inspiring and empowering read.

The author's experience as a speaker, teacher and motivator truly shines in Is Your Ghost Holy?. Her conversational style and touching words will leave you thinking long after you close the cover on this book. But I recommend that you never really close this book, but leave it on your nightstand so that you can refer to it often, using it perhaps as a devotional on a regular basis.

Certain chapters may speak to you more than others. I found the seventh principle extremely helpful, especially considering some of the events I still hold onto from my past. In "The Principle of Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost", Bills discusses how unforgiveness in the Christian walk keeps many stagnant in Christ. She explores the dangerous place that the state of unforgiveness is. With a firm grasp on Scripture, she discusses how easy it can be to notice unChristian behavior in others, but not in ourselves. And she fully explains what blasphemy against the Holy Ghost truly is.

Learn how to take the road less traveled and stand firm on the Word. Is Your Ghost Holy? by Shay Bills will show you how.


Title: Is Your Ghost Holy?
Author: Shay Bills
Publisher: Saint Paul Press
ISBN: 978-0-9819672-7-1
SRP: $11.99

Life Savers from Stacy Gooch-Anderson

The first book I read by Stacy Gooch-Anderson was The Santa Letters--which I reviewed here. Since The Santa Letters touched me so deeply, when Stacy contacted me for a review of Life is Tough: I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive, I eagerly accepted.

While I am getting closer to it in the TBR pile, I've glanced through a few of the entries and was floored to realize what a great sense of humor Stacy has. In Life is Tough, Stacy shares 28 life lessons that changed her perspective and helped her grow in character. This is truly a book of "A Mother's Life Lessons Learned Through Laughter".

And to that end, Stacy is providing us with one of her Life Savers. I had to choose this one, because anyone who knows me, knows that I am the most impatient person on the face of the planet.

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you are on

If patience is a virtue, then I am most definitely NOT a virtuous woman!

Patience is a very hard thing for me. I tend to want things and answers now and not a minute later than instantly. But this is not always the way it works. Matter of fact, as I’m coming to find out, it rarely works this way. I guess God keeps giving me those lessons on patience hoping that one day I will learn its virtues.

Apparently I’m a slow learner because they keep coming at regular intervals and with increasing frequency. Like the other day, the sun had finally made an appearance after hiding for the better part of the fall and winter. The temperatures were up and so I thought a nice walk would be in order. I grabbed my walking shoes and a water bottle and headed off.

I forgot one small detail though; one shouldn’t take a blood pressure pill with a diuretic right before heading out where bathrooms are few and far between. I hadn’t been gone long when my fast pace and pumping heart kicked that medication into overdrive and sent me frantically looking for a public restroom along the route.

I whizzed (no pun intended) down the hill to a local gas station where I knew there were clean restrooms. Just as I reached for the door, a sweet older lady smiled at me and then slipped in and locked the door after sweetly telling me, “I’ll only be a minute”.

I stood there with my mouth gaping and my legs crossed. I didn’t dare move for fear that any mild movement would certainly turn me into a leaky faucet. I stood immobilized praying that she would finish up her business and get the heck outta Dodge so the new sheriff could claim her potty in peace and overwhelming relief.

I think she must’ve taken a bath in the bowl.

I must admit however, that old people have a way of really putting things into perspective. When she finally did emerge, she smiled again – a bit broader as she watched me inch into the restroom with crossed legs – and gave me a bit of old- timer’s wisdom. This nugget has become today’s “Life Saver”;

“How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you are on. Praise be to the Good Lord who allowed me enough agility to beat you to the bathroom door. The old plumbing ain’t what it used to be and they would’ve needed a mop and a ten gallon bucket if I’d been the one waiting out here."

Easy for her to say. Her minute was filled with the relief of dry Depends and a happy bladder. I looked back over my shoulder at her as she headed out to her car with a slightly more jovial step in her jaunt. I smiled.

It was nice to know that even when age does get the best of you, patience still isn’t a virtue but you can somehow manage to deal with the infirmity with a quick wit and a smile that makes others glad they had the ability to wait.

You can visit Stacy online at www.stacyganderson.com

Life Is Tough: I Doubt I'll Make It Out Alive is available at Amazon.com

Transform Your Life - Sheri Kaye Hoff and Keys to Living Joyfully Show You How

Today's guest blogger is Sheri Kaye Hoff, author of the inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully.

Sheri is an inspirational author and life coach, residing in Parker, CO with her husband and three children. She teaches college classes as an adjunct faculty member and has earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Her new inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers a way of living a meaningful, successful and joy filled life. Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive life coach. She conducts individual life coaching, teleclasses, writes online curriculum, gives in person small and large group coaching, is a keynote speaker, and conducts corporate training.

Spirituality is a vital part of her life's work. Prayer and meditation are integral pieces of her daily ritual, which enables her to pursue her life's passions and live a truly joyful life.

Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps mix faith and years of leadership training, mentoring, and management. Sheri Kaye Hoff suffered the tragic death of her younger brother when she was a teenager and struggled for years to rediscover the capacity to feel joy and to enjoy her successes. She has a heart-felt desire to pass on her knowledge and discoveries that have led to a truly transformational life. The inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers the techniques and insights that move people towards peace, joy, energy, and passion in everyday life.

You can find out more online at www.lifeisjoyful.org

Sheri's Turn:


Three Ways to Begin Transforming Your Life Today
by Sheri Kaye Hoff

What if your days unfolded beautifully and joyfully? What if life could flow and you could live in the moment and savor those moments? I want this for you. I want you to be able to experience a life of joy. Here are three ways to begin transforming your life today: begin a daily journal, work on things that inspire you, and cultivate a generous spirit.

You may have heard of the benefits of journaling and you may even have tried writing in a journal. When I speak of journaling, I am referring to an active process for changing your thoughts and transforming your life. I am not talking about the diaries you may have kept in the past or even present. Use your journal for a check in on your attitude and your current state of mind, but then move beyond and strive to create the life of your dreams. I begin each day’s journal entry with, “Thank you for this beautiful, glorious day.” I end each entry with “Thy will be done.” My journal entries are filled with gratitude, sprinkled with some observations, and topped with my goals and dreams. Starting my morning with writing makes my day centered and full of purpose. When I read past journal entries, I am able to see progress and dreams fulfilled. When you look back on your journal entries, you will be able to see your transformation on paper and you will be amazed.

After you finish your journaling for the day, turn your attention to work that inspires you. Maybe you have a job that you are only doing to make ends meet. All is not lost. There is, perhaps, some way that you can alter your focus on your job to see something inspiring. Can you become involved in an extra project that interests you? For the self-employed individuals, I encourage you to take a look at your business and your projects. Does your business inspire you? If not, why not? How can you change it and mold it to be your true inspiration? When your work inspires you, your whole life takes on a new feeling of lightness. You will wake up and feel excited for each day. The amount of time you spend dreading will drastically decrease. Remember that you are not trapped, there is always an element of decision making.

You are now journaling each day and doing inspiring work; now turn your attention to opportunities to give generously each day. I am not referring to giving to the point of hurting your financial position or exhausting you. I am talking about giving out of joy and the desire to make a difference in someone’s life on a daily basis. Giving might involve small things or big things, you decide. The point is that you cultivate a generous spirit. You will notice a change in your life as you deliberately begin to give. If you are already giving, evaluate your choices and your feelings about them. Can you do more or different things? Enjoy that you make a difference in people’s lives.

Begin transforming your life today with a beautiful journal and daily appointment to write; develop work that inspires you; and give generously. You will feel more joy and be able to celebrate your life every day.