Hearts of Purpose: Real Life Stories from Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things for the Glory of God by Gail G Nordskog

Book Description....


"Following the example of Joan of Arc, who sought God on her knees, received a directive from Him, and then stood and followed His leading, you too can be inspired and equipped to live out your purpose in first hearing from God and then taking your stand in following Him. Hearts of Purpose brings you nine real-life stories from ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the glory of God. These powerful stories are inspirational and reflective, and will help you open the door toward exploring His call in your own life.

As Gail Grace Nordskog professes, quoting Song of Solomon 2:4, "His banner over me is love." Just as Joan of Arc could step forth in full confidence under the banner of her calling, so we too have the banner of God's love over our lives. Nordskog reinforces this affirmation throughout her book, reminding readers of God's love: the touchstone that directs our hearts and lives."

Title:  Hearts of Purpose: Real Life Stories from Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things for the Glory of God.
Author:  Gail G. Nordskog
Publisher:  Nordskog Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Hearts of Purpose: Real Life Stories from Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things for the Glory of God" by Gail G. Nordskog

My Thoughts......from this wonderful read...where each author brings their story alive.

These were beautifully  written stories about ten women on their remarkable journeys that made a 'great impression' on Gail Grace Nordfskog as well as to its readers.

I will introduce each other and offer up a discussion question.  Now, you will have to pick up this good read to see for yourself and be able to answer the questions that are offered up at the end of each ones section of their story.

First we have Chapter one with Mary Ann Ambroselli whose main focus was on 'Counseling on Keeping PreBorn Babies Alive.
Discussion Question:  This one caught my eye...Mary Ann suffered many losses in her family.  Have you ever wondered where God is when tragedy strikes?

Second Chapter we visit with Cindy Reynolds whose main forcus was 'Ministry to Orphans in Linjiang.
Discussion Question:What does this mean "If you depend upon Jesus, your enemy will become your Friend? I found this quite interesting!

Chapter Three...Audrey Forster whose focus was 'Worldwide Adoptions and Aid to Orphans.
Discussion Question:  When you reflect on your talents and gifts, what do they include?

Chapter Four:  Patricia Blanco Steele focus on:  Transforming the Lives of Abused Women and Children
Discussion Question:  In reading Trisha's thoughts on "Love," which items impact you the most?

Chapter Five:  Julie Dawson Focus:  To Bring Healing to the Nations through the Multiplication of Medical Ships and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To Disciple Nations through Evangelism and the Multiplication of Leadership Schools for the South Pacific ad Asia
Discussion Question:  Do you believe that "all things work together for good:  Romans 8:28

Chapter Six:  Lisa Shidler focus:  Helping and Training Special Needs Orphans
Discussion Question:  In reading about special needs children, what stands out in your mind about them?

Chapter Seven:  Marilyn Pulis Minister, Ordained by the Assemblies of God Pulis Ministries
Focus on:  Spreading the Gospel
Discussion Question: When was the first time you felt the presence of the Lord?

Chapter Eight: Lili Vaehr:   CFO, MovieGuide &   Good News Communications Inc.
Focus on:  Biblical Guide to Movies and Entertainment
Discussion Question:  Instead of a question here I would like to just add Lil's Five Don'ts to Help You Succeed in Parenting, Marriage and Life..

Don't Create Your Walls
Don't Wait
Don't Compartmentalize
Don't Be Afraid
Don't Quit

Chapter Nine:  Nita Hanson Director, God's Hidden Treasures
Focus on:  Bringing Hope to the Forgotten
Discussion Question: Have you ever felt that you are a "mistake?"

Chapter Ten:  Sharon Daly President, The Mossy Foot Project, Ethiopia
Focus on:  Providing Mossy Foot Patients with Support through Education, Prevention, Medical Treatment, Vocational Training and a Message of Hope
Discussion Question:  I loved this one coming from the read....

"I have been in every moment of your past,
My hand formed you
I am with your now.
I will be with you in the future.
All tomorrows are in My hands.
Trust Me daily.
Trust Me moment by moment.
I am your life and your portion.
Trust me for everything.
I will never leave you or let you down?"

All that is left to say after reading and absorbing it all from these wonderful well written stories is to thank this author for presenting such a good reads to the readers.  I didn't know when I picked this read that I was about to receive so much from each one of the stories that will truly  stay with me forever.  I even tried to pick a favorite one but couldn't because each one of the reads touched me in different ways.

I loved the 'Two Pertinent Devotions in Closing from New Every Morning from the author of this book: Gail Grace Nordskog....  A Daily Devotional Glorify the Lord....Oh, magnify the Lord, with me, and let us exalt His name together. [Psalms 34:3] and If God Be For Us...When then shall we say to these things?  If god is for us, who can be against us? [Romans 8:31]

Thank you to the author and WNL for sending me your novel for me to give my honest opinion of its read.  These were truly "Real-life stories about ten ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the Glory of God."

40 Days of Healing Journal by Danyelle Scroggins

Book Description.....

"40 Days of maximizing your privilege to go boldly before the throne of grace. 40 Days Of Healing is your opportunity to be renewed in your mind, body, and spirit. This journal is lined for your very own insight, prayers, and reflections. It is also saturated in scriptures to help usher you into your…daily lives.

Title:  40 Days of Healing Journal
Author:  Danyelle Scroggins
Publisher:  Create Space Independent Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"40 Days of Healing Journal"   by Danyelle Scroggins

My Thoughts....

This was definite a clearly well thought out journal about fasting....& praying with wonderful scriptures.

Here is the starting of how this journal is presented to the reader which is very easy to follow.

"It is about laying aside that thing or those things that obstruct you from being the best person you can be, and believing the denying of yourself, gives God room to maximize your potential at becoming the best you, or opening channels for your to receive answered prayers."

"For the next forty days...you are to commit to giving ups something like...Soda, Sweets, Lying, Facebook, Social Media, The Telephone, Cell Phone, Gambling, Alcohol, Gossiping, Sex, Wine, Television, Something but faithfully for the next 40 days!"

I can definitely pick one or more of these!

Write the one what you are giving up....
I'm Giving up....
Why I chose to give up this is...because....

Day 1 Psalm 95:7-8

During this time of fasting and prayer we are to remember to meditate each day to hear the voice of God.
Don't let anyone turn you from the fact you have picked up this book!

'Set your mind to wind because whatever the 'it' is in your life that is keeping you from your next level, 'it' must go down, so you can get up!

Your prayer for today:

What has God spoken for you to do but because your heart is hard, you can't seem to find a way through to do?

After the 40 days are up, what would you desire to have gained?

This was day one...now to work through 39 more days....

My Declaration:
My 'It' Has to Go In Jesus' Name

Day 2  Matthew 4: 17

And this goes on through to Day 40 with each day receiving a word from the author as she leaves  a word for you...

"There's no excuse for turning back after  39 days ago.  Move Forward with this new mindset and a will to work the Word in your life, because baby, if you Work the word the Word will Work for you,"
The Aftermath   Isaiah 41:9-11
Our Faith   Galatians 3:6-9
The End...  "Is never complete until God says so!"

After I went through this journal  I found it well written and giving one so much important divine inspirational information that will only help 'renew ones total mind, body and spirit.'  I loved how after each day,  one is to write their prayers.  Wow, what one can get through fasting and prayers!

This journey was beautifully well done and anyone can follow along each of the 40 days  and be truly blessed. Would I recommend?  Definitely yes!  I plan on starting my 40 days soon.

Thank you to the author for permitting me to read about your journal... "40 Days of Healing Journal."

A Christian's Perspective Journey Through Grief By: Shelia E. Lipsey

Book Description...

"If you have lost a loved one through death or know of someone who has, then "A Christian's Perspective - Journey Through Grief" is a must read book. When you lose someone you love it is often the most painful experience you will face and have to endure. Author and Inspirational Speaker, Shelia E. Lipsey shares her personal journey through grief with her readers while at the same time expressing her battles and triumphs with God and her faith. She also touches on the devastating terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 as she relates with the thousands who lost loved ones. This book is written from her perspective and is thus the title "A Christian's Perspective". A Christian's Perspective is candid, open and written from the heart."

Title: A Christian's Perspective Journey Through Grief
Author:  Shelia E. Lipsey
Publisher:  Brentwood Christian Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"A Christian's Perspective Journey Through Grief" by Shelia E.Lipsey

My Thoughts...

I loved this short novel.  So often after the loss of my parents I have grieved even though it has been many many years.Even now I still grieve become depressed because I miss my parents so much. This novel was beautifully written and most of all letting me know that I am not alone especially hearing what all this author has been through.  The thought that I am not alone still in the healing process even though it has been so many years ago.  This read is really some read that can help others who have lost a loved one. I loved how this author covers it all from 'grief from a christian viewpoint'  bringing it all out so well to the reader. Thank you to the author for such a good read that is still  helping  me get through it all.

Five Questions of Christmas By: Rob Burkhart

Book Description....

"Five questions to unwrap the Christmas season and cherish its treasures all year long.
The Christmas story is well-known. We know the decorations, the family parties, the carols, the manger scene, even the familiar Scripture passages. But have you ever considered the questions of Christmas?

Five questions spiral throughout the ancient stories surrounding Christ’s birth. These questions open the door to some of life’s great mysteries.

By exploring questions asked by the Magi, Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, and the crowd witnessing the naming of John the Baptist, readers explore their own curiosities about purpose, favor, trust, justice, doubt, and promise:How can we find truth and meaning?Why is the world so unfair sometimes?Why do people have to suffer?How can we trust the unseen?How can we design the future we desire?Writing in a warm and affectionate tone, author Rob Burkhart unwraps the mystery of the questions of Christmas, revealing a different way to read the Christmas story that allows believers young and old to live its truths throughout the year."

Title:  Five Questions of Christmas
Author:  Rob Burkhart
Publisher:  Abingdon Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Five Questions of Christmas" by Rob Burkhart

What I liked about this novel...

The book starts out....
with this author talking about......

Christmas 1990
Prologue:  What Happened to Christmas?....
Chapter 1:
How will I know?...

A Matter of Trust....
Trampled Trust...
Conundrum...
The Main Things...
The Triumph of Trust...
Standing Firm...
 Questions....

Christmas 1997
Chapter 2:
How Can this Be?
Tragedy Changes Everything..

The God Who Is With Us...
Shocked and Confused...
The Arrival of Fear..

The Right Heart
The Rest of the Story...
A Challenging Choice...
A Song of Praise...
Facing the Future...
Questions...

1968...
 Chapter 3

Why has this happened to me?
Elizabeth's journey from Unfairness to Gratitude...It's Not Fair..

Fairness and Justice...

The Curious Case of Elizabeth:  Before the Angel...
After the Angel...
The Harvest...

Faith on Display....
Count Your Blessings...
Blessing's Purpose...
Questions...

1984
Chapter 4

What will the Child Become?
The Journey from Control to Creativity...
Confronting the Future...
Reality Therapy...
Creating the Future...
On the Anvil of Time..
Questions...

2004
Chapter 5
Where is the Child?
The Magi"s Journey from Disappointment to True Treasure...
The Message of the Magi
The Long Journey...
Unintended Consequences...
Finding Another Way
Charting a New Course.
Look for Greater Wisdom
Follow God's Leading
Staying the Course
The Greatest Quest...
Questions...

Epilogue...
Let us go not to Bethlehem
The Shepherd's Journey from Oblivion to Faith
Questions...

And the author ended....with...

"Christmas really is a time for miracles."

This was a beautiful well written Christmas Story and this author explores the real questions of Christmas was beautifully done.  I loved how he was able to share with holidays with us about his own family and still bringing out those important "questions asked by the Magi, Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah" as this author "unwraps the mystery of the questions of Christmas."  As you read through "Five Questions of Christmas" you will be able to see how well this author answers each of these important questions of Christmas that will definitely a new meaning what just what this holiday is all about that can be treasured all year long.

A Christmas Gift By: Kathi Macias

Title:  A Christmas Gift
Author:   Kathi Macias
Publisher:  New Hope Publishers
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"A Christmas Gift"  by Kathi Macias

Book Description:
"Chiapas, Mexico, had proven to be the distraction and escape Julie needed. As a teacher, she had longed to travel and instruct abroad. Now, she was teaching and falling in love with her students. But what she didn't expect happened in the short days leading up to Christmas. She didn’t know that her freedom would depend on Ramon, the local pastor. She didn’t anticipate the emotions this man of God would stir deep in her spirit. This Christmas Eve service would be unlike any other she had ever experienced. Would this simple man and his faith be enough to cause her to stay when she had every reason to leave?"

What I liked from this novel...

This was indeed a heartwarming Christian story that will capture your attention and keep you reading not wanting to put it down till the very end.  Now, don't get me wrong this author brings out the dark side too in the novel...an example would be like telling the scary things that can and do go on in Mexico. I am sure you are now wondering what I am referring to and all I will say is you will have to read "A Christmas Gift" to see for yourself.  I will say at this point this is not a read for the faint hearted or for children.  However,  this author really does a good job giving the reader some very interesting characters who were all for the most part well developed, captivating and believable.  You will find from the read that the heroine Julie who was deeply depressed after the death of her husband  and decides to do a long buried dream of hers and that was  to take a job teaching abroad...in Chiapas,  Mexico (the rain forest of southern Mexico) for a year.  It was there she meets a local pastor and this story will take off from there where you will see it was there in Mexico that Julie had her life changing experience that turns off to be quite a spiritual as well as a physical journey  for her too.   I was caught with that surprised ending!

"A Christmas Gift" was a good Christian read that I would gladly recommend to you rather if it's Christmas or not.