"Do It Afraid" by Joyce Meyer

I've read many of Meyer's books. I've always found them to be timely, insightful, and encouraging. Her latest is no exception. 

One of the greatest weapons the Enemy throws our way is fear (and that's been quite obvious in 2020, as I read this book during the Covid-19 Pandemic). However, we don't have to allow him to use it to gain control over us. In her latest release, Meyer uses personal experiences (her own and those shared with her) to show how we can use God's Word combat anything the Enemy tries to send our way.

Meyer helps the reader grab onto courage and face their fears, reminding them they're not doing it alone, as God is with them. Numerous relevant Scripture verses are woven throughout to reinforce your message.

The cover and book jacket are stunning and one of my favorite things about this book!

The book is divided into three parts: Understanding Fear, Confronting Fear, and Mindsets for Walking in  Freedom from Fear. chapters include: Do It Afraid, The Antidote for Fear, Take One Step at a Time, Learn to Be Secure and Confident, You Can Be Yourself, and You Can Believe Good Things Are Ahead.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

• "Fear is the devil's favorite tool in the toolbox of schemes he uses to steal, kill, and destroy God's good plan for us."
• "We receive grace through faith, not to fear."
• "Faith is our plug in to the power of God."
• "Do what you can do when you can do it, and don't worry about what you cannot do. Anything is better than nothing!"
• "When I feel fear, I will do it afraid."
• "Don't just pray for fear to go away. Instead pray for God to fill you with boldness, courage, and confidence."

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

"100 Inspirational Quotes: And the Life-Changing Scriptures Behind Them" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

I have read many books by Joyce Meyer, and I always find her inspirational, so I really like this book. It’s a short book (easily portable, too!) filled with quotes from Meyer, and each quote is linked to a corresponding Bible verse. There’s one quote per page, and the adjacent page has the verse behind the quote. The illustrations are a nice addition to the verses and quotes, and they match the cover, as well. Scripture verses are primarily from the Amplified Bible, though a few other translations (NIV, NLT, and NKJV) are used. The book is to the point, but it also gives the reader a lot to ponder. So much positivity in this little book!

It was hard to narrow them down, but here are a few of my favorite quotes:

·        “It isn’t what other people think of us that hurts us—it’s what we think of ourselves.”

·        “Everyone wants to be an overcomer but nobody wants to have anything to overcome. You can’t have a testimony without a test!”

·        “Don’t get your ‘who’ confused with your ‘do.’ Your true value is found when you fully understand who you are in Christ.”

·        “God has given us an antidote for fear: When fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer.”

·        “Courage is doing what you know you should do even though you feel afraid. DO IT AFRAID!”

       Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords Blogger Program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review. #SponsoredbyFaithWords

Amazon purchase link

"Healing the Soul of a Woman" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithWords

Meyer’s latest release is a follow-up to the popular book, Beauty for Ashes. The author focuses on emotional healing from past hurts and the redeeming love of Christ. She helps the reader discover how to love and trust again. Meyer’s speaks from experience, and she shares personal stories (including abuse) throughout the book. Biblical wisdom, Scripture verses, and inspiring quotes reinforce her points. She offers practical advice on areas such as: guilt and shame, self-pity, the healthy soul, standing up for yourself, and establishing boundaries. Learning to trust God is key in healing.

The book begins with a history of women. It then goes on to uncover the lies Satan uses to bind us to our past pains. The book ends with an informative appendix (including one that reminds the reader who they are in Christ) and a journaling section.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

·        “God’s Word is medicine for your wounded soul.”

·        “We all crave acceptance, but the greatest need we have is to accept our unique selves.”

·        “We cannot change the way things were, but we can go forward and never look back.”

·        “It is what you believe about yourself that really matters.”

·        “The best kind of life is only found in God because He is life, and the life that we call ours is a gift from Him.”

·         

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Blessed Life" by Kim Fields with Todd Gold

My review...

I grew up watching Kim Fields play “Tootie” on The Facts of Life, and I have followed her career ever since. So I was very excited to see that she had a book coming out, and I jumped at the chance to read it.

This book provides insight into her life, both the personal one and the one people know from television. The reader is able to follow Kim’s journey from Harlem to Hollywood and see the challenges she faced growing up in front of the world.

The book is divided into three sections: My Mother’s Voice, My Voice, and That Still Small Voice. Fields provides details on marriages, miscarriages, and motherhood in an open and honest way. While I thought I knew a lot about her, there were many new tidbits to learn on this actor, director, producer, poet, wife, mother, friend, woman of faith, and so much more.

I found this book to be a quick read, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Despite being a celebrity, Fields demonstrates that she is just an average woman who struggles with insecurity, acceptance, etc., just like everyone else. Some of her poetry is included, and I really enjoyed reading it. I love the fact that there are sixteen pages of photos, as they personalize the story even more. It is apparent that God is at work in her life in numerous ways, and I am glad she detailed it in this book. I look forward to seeing what He has in store for her next.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of the FirstWords Blogger Program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review

Amazon link for purchase

"Love, Welcome, Serve" (cookbook) by Amy Nelson Hannon (and a recipe!)

My review...

If you're looking for some yummy recipes to try out this holiday season, this is one to check out.

It's a beautifully designed book, full of colored pictures for many of the recipes.  It's divided into various sections:

1.  Bites that Welcome

2.  Pickled, Tossed, and Chilled

3.  Meats, Mains, and Sturdy Soups

4.  Comforts and Casseroles

5.  Serve Alongsides

6.  Sweet Tea, Sauces, and Such

7.  For The Love of Sweets

There's also a section on gratitude, as well as a recipe index.

Some recipes seem a bit "fancier" than others, but most could easily be used by your average household. There is a list at the beginning of what should be included in a well-equipped kitchen and a well-stocked pantry. Each chapter begins with an inspiring review. This will make a wonderful addition to my cookbook collection. 

There are a number of recipes I'll be adding to my menus in the near future, such as: Mexican Layered Cornbread Dip, Potluck Broccoli Salad,  Fajita Guacamole Burgers, Creamy Pesto Tortellini Soup, Euna Mae's Macaroni and Cheese, and Loverly Lemon Bars. (There are so many more on my list to try!)

 I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords Blogger Program (from the publisher), but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Purchase link for the book

Sample recipe from the book...

Oh my word. Y’all, it’s finally Fall! Fall is my favorite! If I had to list all the things I love about Fall in order of what I love best, it’d be nearly impossible. Football, crisp mornings, jeans and boots, apple everything, pumpkin everything, adding more blankets to the beds, and the anticipation of the holiday season! I mean, how’s a girl to choose?!

One other favorite of mine during this season is sturdy soups - a bowl full of earthy, warm goodness that gets at my soul. What’s the difference between regular soup and sturdy soup you might ask? Sturdy soups have girth. They are spoonfuls of hearty bites. And they fill bellies way up. You know, they’re sturdy. They can stand alone served with only a few fixins on top. Have I got a sturdy soup for you!

This recipe is an adaptation of one found in my church cookbook. Y'all know that if you can ever get your hands on a church cookbook, then it's a keeper. Church cookbook recipes are those tried-and-true, time-tested, crowd-pleasing dishes. I know, because I'm a pastor's wife, and I've been feeding people for more than 20 years. So you learn what's good, what people come back for, and what people request recipes for. And this White Chicken Chili meets the criteria for sure! It is so creamy and loaded with flavor, and the texture is divine with hearty bites of tender chicken and white beans. Sturdy. This recipe is the first soup that my family asks for when the weather officially turns cooler and there’s football on TV. Here’s to fall! And here’s to full bellies and full hearts! - Amy Nelson Hannon, author of Love Welcome Serve: Recipes that Gather and Give

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI WITH CILANTRO AND LIME

{serves 6-8}

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ - 2 cups yellow onion, chopped

5 cloves garlic, chopped

3 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

3-4 cups chicken stock

½ cup dry white wine like Chardonnay (optional)

1 bay leaf, broken in half

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

3 cans white beans of your choice, drained

3 jalapeno peppers, minced

3 cups fresh grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Salt to taste

3 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (plus more for topping)

The juice of 3 limes

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (around 5-6qts). Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until they're tender and just starting to get color.  Add the garlic oregano, cumin, and ginger, cooking for one more minute. Stir continuously so the garlic doesn't burn!  Add stock, wine (if using) and bay leaf.  Cook uncovered for 5 minutes over medium heat until somewhat reduced.  Add chicken, beans, and jalapenos. Simmer uncovered for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.  Over low heat add a little cheese at a time, stirring until melted.  Add pepper, and taste for salt; add if needed.  Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove bay leaf and serve! Garnish with fresh chopped tomatoes, green onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado.