LIFE Is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward

LIFE Is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward

Author: Carl Mathis

Publisher: Tate Publishing 2010

ISBN: 9781616634650

Pages: 104 Paperback

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reviewed by Pamela R. Jeffers

Learning from the adversities that we face in life, and allowing God to birth His purposes in us, is proof that the victory is truly ours. As is the case in “LIFE is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward” where new author, Carl Mathis spells out 7 life lessons that God taught him to use to turn his situation of being the victim to the victor.

Carl Mathis’ life took an unsuspecting turn, when the death of his wife, leaving him to raise 2 sons on his own, left him devastated and looking for someone or something to rescue him. Grieving, stressed and in disbelief of his present situation, Carl Mathis had to come to grips with his new reality and through prayer, God gave him the will and steps to move forward.

Mr. Mathis does a fine job in detailing the steps that he used to get his life back on track; steps that the reader will be able to apply to their own life. The applications of these biblical truths are key and Mr. Mathis backs up his theories with a wealth of scripture. I was impressed that because it was in recent years, his lost took place; Mr. Mathis was willing to share his story so profoundly, proving the spiritual growth that took place in his life.

“LIFE is What You Make It: seven steps to moving forward” will be an asset to any readers’ library. The reader will easily identify with his struggles and come away with the motivation that although bad things happen to good people, there is hope.

On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry for All Occasions

On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions

Author: Jo Anne Meekins

Publisher: AuthorHouse 2008

ISBN: 9781434372734

Pages: 108 Paperback

Genre: Poetry

Reviewed by: Pamela R. Jeffers

Poetry with a profound purpose would be one way to assess the value of Jo Anne Meekins’, On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions. But even this description doesn’t seem to fully grasp the enormity of the effect it will have on its readers. Each poem will connect with the reader on a spiritual level and leave a lasting impression that it was written to and just for them. This was the case with one of the poems that spoke to the depths of my being. It is entitled, “Live On”. As someone who recently lost a dear loved one, my mother, it was as if she wrote this poem herself.

The poems in this book are rich in relevance and the structure of its execution appears to be intentional. The book is arranged into seven sections, with eight poems each in six of its sections and one section with 16 poems; representing God’s perfect number seven and the new beginnings number of eight. Each section is prefaced with its intended aim and all of the poems are accompanied by relative scripture in the King James Version of the Bible. Giving it a once over read will not be enough, you will find yourself referring to its contents over and over again. It can be used as an added addition to your devotional time with the Lord or a source of reference in times of need for comfort and strength.

A book with an anointing of this kind cannot be written without having a deep personal and prayerful relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Ms. Meekins has proven that in fact she does have this relationship and her readers will reap the benefit. The reader will be blessed reading this Godly inspirational book of poetry, which truly speaks to the heart, mind and soul. On Solid Ground: Inspirational Poetry For All Occasions is a must to be placed on your all occasion gift giving list.