"Empty Out the Negativity" by Joel Osteen

My review...

I'm currently reading this book, but I'm excited about it and wanted to post my review based on the first few chapters. This is a much-needed book, particularly for this year!

I've read a number of Joel's book, and I always find them encouraging and inspiring. This one was no exception. It always feels like I'm chatting with Joel over a hot cup of tea (since I don't like coffee!). He makes the reader feel like he's a good friend speaking right to them, right where they are. 

Today's society is full of negativity. It bombards us daily, from social media to the newspapers to TV. It's hard to stay positive when you take that in on a regular basis. 

This book is a bit shorter than some of Osteen's prior books, but it's still filled with wisdom and encouragement. It's one I'll likely read through more than once. There are practical tips for identifying and removing negativity from your life. I'm a Type A, anxious person to begin with, so this book is just what I needed to read! I can't wait to put some of the tips into action to help stop the anxious thoughts from the get-go. 

Chapters include: Empty Out the Negative, Power Thinking, A Fresh Attitude, Drop It, The Right Recording, and The Power of the Soil.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

- "You control what you think about and what you choose to allow in."

- "You weren't created to carry around guilt, regret, bitterness, and anger--that poisons your life."

- "Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror, being down on yourself, living in regrets."

- "Are your thoughts helping you or hurting you?"

- "If you don't set the tone for the day, negative thoughts will do it for you."

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

"The Power of Favor" by Joel Osteen

I've read a number of books by Osteen, and I've always enjoyed them. This one was encouraging, but it wasn't one of my favorites. I found it to be a bit repetitive, from his sermons as well as prior books. While it has a positive message, overall, the concept as described is a bit too easy: just believe and it will happen. Christians know that there is a bit more to it than that.

A number of Bible stories are mentioned, but there aren't any direct references, which bothered me. When reading books such as this, I do, on occasion, like to dig a bit deeper. I don't have time to also hunt up where the passage is located in the first place.

While this wasn't one of my favorite books by Osteen,  I will likely check out his books in the future.

Some quotes I enjoyed:

• "It's not because of who you are; it's because of Whose you are."
• "Even though circumstances may change, the Source never changes."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

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"Daily Readings from All Things are working for your Good" by Joel Osteen

My review...

If you feel that your faith is being tested or you’re experiencing setbacks in life, then this may be a good devotional book for you to read. Osteen wants to remind the reader that God can, and will, use struggles and challenges for His good, to pull us closer to Him, and to move us toward the person we were created to be.

Each reading begins with a scripture verse (from a variety of translations), followed by the daily devotion. This is a 365-day devotional, aligned with the calendar. There is no ribbon bookmark, as is common in books of this nature. The book is a bit smaller than average, so it is easy to put in a purse or bag and take along on your daily travels. However, the small size and font could prove a bit tricky for some readers. I've read a number of devotional books from Osteen. This one was not my favorite, but I still found it to be full of helpful and inspirational readings.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FaithWords blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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"Next Level Thinking" by Joel Osteen

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithwords

I’m always interested in reading new releases from Joel Osteen. So, I was excited to have the chance to review this book. While some of the material is not necessarily new to those who follow Osteen’s teachings, the information is still a valuable reminder. 

Osteen presents ten thoughts to help the reader advance their thoughts to next level thinking, which is needed for a successful and abundant life. Chapters include: The Odds Are for You, Recognize Your Value, Know You Are Loved, Approve Yourself, and Remove the Shame. Encouraging and relevant stories (many of which were shared with the author by church members, friends, or those he’s met around the world) are included, along with pertinent Bible verses, to reinforce the ten points. Many stories demonstrate God’s power when circumstances seemed bleak. If you are looking to reprogram your thinking in an effort to help reach your goals, this is a book to consider.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

·        “God didn’t create you to be average.”

·        “Where you start is not important. Where you finish is what matters.”

·        “You are valuable right now. God calls you a masterpiece. You are one of a kind.”

·        “The past doesn’t have to hold you back.”

·        “Don’t let negative events from your past become your identity.”

·        “Fear doesn’t have any right to you. It doesn’t own you.”

·        “Since God approves you, why don’t you start approving yourself?”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher as part of the FaithWords blogger program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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"Our Best Life Together: A Daily Devotional for Couples" by Joel and Victoria Osteen

My review...

Let me start by saying that I absolutely adore devotional books, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review the upcoming release from Joel and Victoria Osteen, which is geared toward couples. While I’ve read many devotional books, this is the first I’ve read with a focus on supporting, growing, and encouraging relationships.

Each reading contains a title, Bible verse, short devotion, and a closing prayer. They are short and only take a few minutes to get through, but they are perfect to use at the beginning or end of a day. It is structured to provide couple the opportunity to do a daily reading five days a week. “We Declare” statements are placed evenly throughout the book. These provide added inspiration and encouragement for couples.

A number of topics are included, such as dreams, decisions, toxic thoughts, and forgiveness. At the end of the book, Joel provides the reader with the opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of their lives by walking them through a prayer. Contact info Joel and Victoria is also provided.

Some of my favorite devotions were based on the following title/verse (in no particular order):

• Remember Your Dream: Psalm 37:4 (page 92)
• Self-sufficient in Christ’s Sufficiency: Philippians 4:13 (page 63)
• Be Compassionate: 1 Peter 3:8 (page 221)
• Stay in Peace: Matthew 6:34 (page 190)
• Be Encouragers: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (page 232)
• Agree to Disagree: Ephesians 4:26 (page 123)
• Perfect Peace: Isaiah 26:3 (page 88)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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"Blessed in the Darkness" by Joel Osteen

My review...

Osteen’s latest provides a reminder that it is possible to focus on the positive, even in a difficult situation. Numerous personal stories are included to punctuate Osteen’s points. Some of them may be familiar if you listen to his sermons on TV or Sirius Radio or if you have read some of his other books. However, they are stories that are beneficial to hear more than once.

I have read numerous books by Osteen, and I have yet to be disappointed. The books, along with his messages in general, always contain nuggets of wisdom and truth that can be applied to circumstances in my life, since they are very relatable. As with past books, I highlighted numerous passages in this one, and it is a book I will refer back to when I need encouragement and help with focusing on the positive. If that is what you are looking for, I think you will enjoy this book.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• “Have a new perspective: the dark places are opportunities to grow.”
• “Do what you can, but trust God to do what you can’t.”
• “Faith is trusting God when life doesn’t make sense.”
• “When you’re in the middle, you need to remind yourself that this too shall pass. It’s temporary.”
• “If you’re waiting for all the details, you’ll be waiting your whole life.”
• “Be bold, be courageous, and step into the unknown.”
• “The only thing that can stop you is you.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon link for purchase