Drawing Out the Dragons by James A. Owen

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 032013
 

Drawing_Out_the_Dragons_detailDrawing Out the Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice

Author: James A. Owen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 5, 2013 (originally published March 2011)

Hardcover: 112 pages

ISBN13: 9781609073688

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside Book Jacket 

“I believe in you.  You have a great destiny.  You are meant for great things.  And it’s possible to live a wonderful, extraordinary life.”

That is the promise offered by bestselling author and illustrator James A. Owen in this remarkable and inspirational meditation.  In Drawing Out the Dragons, James shares personal stories and the deep truths he learned while navigating past obstacles and adversity toward a life of lasting belief and joy.

We all have a grand destiny, but sometimes we feel we lack the power to achieve it.  But we always have the power to choose.  “Every drawing, every life, is nothing but a series of choices and actions.  Make your lines.  Make your choices….  What you create from there is entirely up to you.”

Drawing Out the Dragons has the power to uplift, inspire, and change your life.

My Review 

That summary pretty much sums up how I felt about this book.  I agree 100% with what the author said.  I was done reading this book, I felt like a better person.  That I could inspire my husband, daughters, friends, to be better people themselves.  I loved this book.  I was so touched by the author’s stories.  His life is amazing, he is an amazing person.  We all can be, if we but choose it.

There are so many phrases that I loved while reading.

You have to put in the effort to do quality work, because that’s what will matter most.  Because if the quality is there, no one will care how old you are. (page 42)

Nothing–nothing–you really want to make happen is over until you decide to stop.  And if you really want to make it happen, no reason, no excuse, will ever be big enough to make you stop. (page 79)

Never, ever sacrifice what you want the most, for what you want the most at that moment. (page 102)

With no regret and no fear, there’s nothing left but possibility, and joy.  And the realization that it is a wonderful world we live in, after all. (page 114)

Aren’t those awesome.  But these two were my favorites.

I believe in you.  And I will not let you fail (page 122)

Magic is real.  And worth looking for. (page 126)

I honestly could quote this whole book.  There is nothing more inspiring then reading about how someone failed at a few things, but was successful in many things.  James A. Owen has had an amazing life full of heart ache, let downs, financial trouble, but in my opinion they made him who he was.  One of the best moments in the book was a blessing he received from his grandpa when they were both sick and in different hospitals when James was a kid.  His grandpa told him, “You have a greater destiny then this.  You are meant for greatest things then this.  And if you want to beat this, to overcome whatever it is you’re grappling with, you are strong enough to do it.  And if that’s the choice you make, it’s possible to live a wonderful, extraordinary life.” (page 27) I think those words were what made James the man is today.

5 out of 5 stars.  James has accomplished so much, I loved reading about his choices.  I’m excited to read his Here, There Be Dragons series.  One word of advice, read this book with kleenex.  The ending got me.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life by Connie E. Sokol

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Jan 252013
 

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway For, Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life

 

Product Details

  • Title: Create a Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life
  • Author: Connie E. Sokol
  • File Size: 251 KB
  • Print Length: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Sokol Publishing; 1 edition (January 7, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00AY7P6M6
  • FTC;FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by : Sheila

 

 

Book Description:
Ready to jumpstart your life, but not sure how?

Years ago I was fat, unfulfilled, and unfocused. Then I got serious about making changes, writing an achievable life vision and goals. Starting with weight, I lost twenty-five pounds and gained great energy. This motivated me to organize my home and time, rediscover the joy in parenting, and speak professionally part-time to share with others what I had learned.
That was my ideal life change, what’s yours?
Create a Powerful Life Plan: 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life! will help you achieve life changes in three stress-free steps. You’ll learn how to create a clear vision of your ideal life. Then, how to set and achieve simple, enjoyable goals to make that vision a reality. And finally, what to do when you become stuck, fearful, or frustrated.
You’ll also read the real-life experiences of five women who put their Life Plan into action. And receive online support through podcasts, video segments, blog posts and more at www.conniesokol.com.
Now is the best time to become the person you want to be, and live the life you yearn to live. No gimmicks, no hoopla, just solid, time-tested principles and practices that will help you achieve your dreams and goals, and enjoy the process.

So, are you ready to create your powerful Life Plan?

My Review:

I want to state from the beginning of this review that this review may be an ongoing one. This book is one that I have not read all the way through because it is a work in progress. As I have been reading this, I have also had my little composition notebook by my side. As author Connie Sokol has suggested things to think about or write down, I have done exactly that. For example, at the beginning of the book here was the first thing/assignment I chose to do…

 

“Life Plan. Specifically, it’s a paragraph comprised of four to six sentences that describe your ideal self and life—a written reminder of what you want your ideal life to be, feel, and look like.”
Create A Powerful Life Plan is basically this…
“ The three simple steps to creating your Life Plan are as follows: Create a Life Vision, Choose a Life Focus, Set ONE weekly to achieve it!”
As I have been reading this book the one thought that has been going through my mind is, “I can do this!” The way that this is set up, in smaller steps, I have not felt overwhelmed. I’m so excited to try follow the steps and advice that Connie has laid out for readers. It has left me with a feeling of great empowerment. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately in my life, but this book has breathed new life into me. I look forward to checking in with readers of this blog to let you know how things are going with my Life Plan.

Connie is such an inspiration to me and I know that she will be able to do the same for you!

You have a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book, or a 30 minute CoachCast with Connie Sokul on Fit and Fabulous, by entering with the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.  


Endorsements:

“I love your book!! I read it once last week and now I’m reading it again and marking it. I can see it making a difference in my life. I’m realizing that I don’t have to do it all at once.” Jodi Anderson
“Before I started this [book], I wanted to break down my goals into weekly accomplishments in a goal setting program. I can’t believe it, this is exactly what I have been looking for!” Brea Mefford
“I love this program. It really helps me to be accountable, and more importantly, to see progress. I increased my weekly income by better than half. I paid off two credit cards and my overdraft. My husband was able to pay off his car, and I have completely revamped my business goals and direction. Thank you!” Andrea Johnson

Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/8basics
www.conniesokol.com
www.8basics.com
http://pinterest.com/conniesokol
http://www.amazon.com/Connie-E.-Sokol/e/B00530YEVI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5032389.Connie_E_Sokol
www.youtube.com/My8Basics

Biography:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a sought after local and national presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for KSL’s “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine, and TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated Caribbean Crossroads, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as the creator of talk CDs, podcasts and the “8-week Challenge.” Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

Blog Tour Schedule for Create A Powerful Life Plan! 3 Simple Steps to Your Ideal Life by Connie Sokol

January 2013–
1/16/2013    http://rachelannnunes.blogspot.com/
1/17/2013   http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/
1/18/2013    http://www.christydorrity.com/
1/21/2013    http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/
1/22/2013    http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
1/24/2013    http://lisaswinton.blogspot.com/
1/25/2013    http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
1/25/2013    http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/
1/28/2013    http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/
  2/1/2013    http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
 2/8/2013    http://ordinaryhappilyeverafter.co

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Living in the Light by Lacey A. West and Gary L. Anderson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 112012
 

Living in the Light: How to Fight the Darkness of Depression and Anxiety

Authors: Lacey A. West, BSN, RN; Gary L. Anderson, MS, CMHC

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2013

Paperback; 144 pages

Genre: Religious Self-Help

ISBN# 978-1462111480

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Find out more: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

Summary

Living in the Light provides readers with step-by-step methods to overcome depression and anxiety. It offers solutions through a combination of cognitive techniques and gospel-centered principles that will empower readers with the ability to regain their peace and happiness through eliminating all aspects of darkness from their life, embracing a life full of light.

Review

Living in the Light focuses on using the scriptures, prayer, service and a relationship with the Savior to help chase away darkness and encourage a life filled with the light of Christ. There are also mental and physical activities to help cope with negative thoughts, encourage positive self-talk, and promote health and balance.

Other than a small bout with post-partem depression that ended being related to a health condition, I haven’t suffered from any serious forms of depression. Because of this, I can’t personally say how effective I think this book might be in helping others with depression or anxiety. However, I still found a lot that would be useful in dealing with everyday stress and the discouragement that can affect anyone. Satan does want us to think ourselves unworthy and allow doubt to keep us from fulfilling our potential. Everyone can benefit from seeking out and maintaining the light of Christ in their lives.

The authors make some great analogies regarding certain scriptural events and how they can be applied in our lives today. These included the obvious example of Job, but also others such as the brother of Jared, the Lamanites who repented and were encircled by fire, and Joseph Smith.

The largest chapter of the book is Chapter Three: Self-Mastery. This is where the exercises in overcoming negative self-talk are located, as well as evaluating expectations of yourself and others, how lack of sleep and good nutrition affect mood and body, and the effects of hugs and music.

Every section ends with “Take Action” directives on how to adopt the previously discussed principles in to the reader’s life. The authors have included a handy Appendix that contains the title and page numbers to each of these which I was happy to find at the end of the book. There are a number of worksheets and note pages included in the back of the book as well.

If you or a loved one suffer from depression or anxiety, Living in the Light might be a good resource and provide some much needed encouragement.

Pre-order Living in the Light:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE