Thursday 28 February 2013

SOUL SONGS BOOK - HEIDI LEVAN ; REVIEW





This songs' book is rare, unique and a privilege insight into anything that can soothe and touch the readers' hearts and souls. Her writing talents together with her well crafted skills and creativity enable her to express the joy in Everyday Life, so freely, naturally and effectively. Her songs are full of expressions and emotions, in particular love and joy. Through her songs, you are not only able to feel the flow of her expression from her observations, but you can
also relate to the respective wisdom the author conveys. Hence, her thoughtful words truly inspire our curiosity and the positive perspectives as how to live life with lots of love. Many of us have our own gifts and never use them to inspire others by sharing our experiences.  Heldi Levan is not that person. She believes simplicity and love provide the finest level of living. If the reviews she’s received thus-far are any indication, the world needed it. She uses her talents to reach and inspire others.

I received a review copy of the book for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.

Soul Song is a book which provides us with more than one dimension. This is because it can help us to view things not only physically as it is, but also its related wisdom the Universe portrays as the author has prescribed through her soul songs. It serves wide and diverse needs especially for those who want to gain the highest, positive and broader perspective on life.

This book, may perhaps make you gain faith of your own. It may gives you a good, solid and sound understanding of the great works of the Mighty Loving God.

I think that what I enjoyed most about this book is its richness with emotional songs. It reflects the beauty and joyous life if we embrace the positive perspectives of living life with love. Reminds us of the love from above. That’s what makes this book truly worth reading.

As you read through the book, you’ll be able to visualise the
colourful events and surroundings the author goes through. This book is not meant to persuade or dissuade you – it’s meant to inform, ingrain and inspire you in gaining positive perspectives in everyday life.

So grab hold of this book without much hesitation. You may probably read this book in a leisurely weekend and let the author walk you through her journey that will soothe your soul and keep you turning the pages.

The Title of the book is Simple, Precise and Concise - well reflection of its contents. It should sell quite a few copies on the title alone. Important lesson to me and I have to admit the title is irresistible.

Soul songs is definitely a noble goal, because it propels and prospers you to see things from their positive and appropriate perspective from everyday Life. You may grab its wisdom from each and every song. I must say that the reward of its wisdom is far more than your time,
energy and money spent. Marvelous. In short, you will be empowered by its wisdom with full of colourful events. Consistent and persistent application by living it in your life is the surest way to ensure that you shine through your life. The author, Heidi Levan , can certainly attest of
this truth.

This book is also ideal for anyone who feels you had been living life without much meaning and is looking for inspiration to go off on his own.

Last, but not least, this book would make a lovely and meaningful Christmas present.

All I can say is thank you!

James Oh
http://my.linkedin.com/pub/oh-james/12/a11/29b
http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Oh/706849667
http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Oh/706849667#!/pages/Lift-You-Up-Always-there-for-You/176685462397920


Skype me at james.oh18

Wednesday 20 February 2013

TREASURES IN THE DARKNESS - BOOK REVIEW


This book is a poignant, true and extraordinary insightful experience
of the author's 8 months in prison. Her struggle in the prison was
full of darkness yet she discovered the treasure as the title of the
book suggests. She was imprisoned in a variety of locations, met
people and had experiences with lots of emotions. Through her letters,
personal journals and hindsight, she look back and see things that
happened from a different perspective now. She also shared with us as
how she turned to God and gain her faith. Better yet, she was inspired
to share her journey with others by writing this book. Many of us go
through trials and tribulations and never stop to help others by
sharing our experiences. Trish Jenkins is not that person. She felt
that she was led to write this book. If the reviews she’s received
thus-far are any indication, the world needed it. She has allowed God
to use her as a vessel to reach and impact others which she could never thought possible.

I received a review copy of the book for the purpose of writing a fair
and honest review. I received no other compensation.

Treasures Of Darkness is a book which provides us with more than one
dimension. This is because it can help us to overcome barriers and
obstacles, not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually
precisely as the author has gone through. It serves wide and diverse
needs especially for those who want to gain the highest and broader
perspective on life.

This book, may perhaps make you  gain faith of you own. It may gives
you a good understanding of how you can let God  use you mightily,
even if  you were desperately weak, as how He could mould, sand
polish you before turning you as one of His vessels to reach out and
strengthen people surrounding you, as it begins with a beautiful,
meaningful and powerful verse, Isaiah 45:3 which is the corner stone
of this inspiring book.
.
I think that what I enjoyed most about this book is its richness with
emotions. It reflects the importance of staying positive and enjoying
the waves of the challenges. Reminds us that God will even come near
us despite we could not see our own shadow at the point of total
darkness. That’s what makes this book truly worth reading.

As you read through the book, you’ll be able to visualise how the
entire horribly painful journey the author has to go through, just
like a "Joseph" experience, but the only difference is that she was
not offered a position by Pharaoh. This book is not meant to persuade
or dissuade you – it’s meant to inform, enrich and educate you in
gaining perspectives.

So grab hold of this book without much hesitation. You may probably
read this book in a leisurely weekend and let the author walk you
through her journey that will move your heart and keep you turning the
pages.

The Title of the book is Precise and Concise. It should sell quite a
few copies on the title alone. Important lesson to me and I have to
admit the title is irresistible.

Treasures Of Darkness is definitely a noble goal, because it propels
and prospers you to see things not only from their positive and
appropriate perspective, despite its darkness. You may grab an
encouraging message of how a bruised pilgrim can recover from the
depths to a redeemed and rehabilitated life. I must say that the
reward of its message is far more than your time, energy and money
spent. Marvelous. In short, you will be empowered to walk by faith,
and not by sight. Consistent and persistent application by living in
your life is the surest way to ensure that you shine through your
life. The author, Trish Jenkins , can certainly attest of truth that
God won’t give you more than you can handle. However, like the author,
there are times when you watch that hope slip right through your
fingers while you stand by helplessly. It’s when that hope is gone and
you cry out in desperation that God gives you peace.

This book is also ideal for anyone who feels you had been living life
without much meaning and is looking for inspiration to go off on his
own.

Last, but not least, this is a story of perseverance, love and trust.
The author served 8 months in prison. Isolated from her husband and 3 little daughter, living with all sorts of criminals. She groped in the

dark for reassurance and desperate for an answer, turned the problem over to God. And God intervened.

All I can say is thank you!

Stay tune if you like to know more about author Trish Jenkins.


Read my interview with her here.

Saturday 16 February 2013

WRITE UP OF THE GUEST AUTHOR - HEIDI




Heidi has been writing since she was a young girl growing up on a farm outside of Portland, Oregon. As long as she can remember, she has described her observations and shared her thoughts through words—sometimes simply writing them in her head if she was not able to put her thoughts to ink. Although Heidi believes her writing talents are a gift she arrived with, she attributes her continued love for writing to teachers who encouraged her creativity throughout her school years.

While writing is Heidi’s passion, she has been a human resources director for many years. This profession has allowed her privileged insight into the commonality of all people and the opportunity to touch others with her personal and professional mission of living life with kindness, integrity, and grace.

Children, animals, and nature are Heidi’s inspiration, as she finds great wisdom in them all. Home and family have always been her priority and continue to be her greatest joy. Married “forever,” she and her husband have two children, four grandchildren, and six cats. Her son, Logan, illustrated Soul Songs: Reflections of Joy in Everyday Life.

While she can hold her own in corporate America, Heidi is still a country girl and believes simplicity and love provide the finest level of living. Her dream is to share thoughtful words that inspire curiosity and positive perspectives born from living life with love.

Stay tune and we will share with you more on and about her book. 

Sunday 10 February 2013

GUEST AUTHOR INTERVIEW - TRISH JENKINS

                                           
                                          THE AUTHOR : TRISH JENKINS




Now, onto the interview.

James : When did you begin to write?

I’ve found the spiritual value of journaling as a teenager, though that didn’t tell me if I had any real flair as a writer. From 2003-2005 I wrote a monthly “wealth creation” ezine sharing what I was learning about real estate. I started writing a “success” book when we were doing so well we no longer required jobs. I’m glad I didn’t publish because we lost everything we had to a fraud. Then I began to research and write a book on fraud warning signals, so that what happened to us wouldn’t happen to anyone else. I began working for a Corporate investigator who taught me a lot about fraud and what makes people vulnerable. He asked me specifically to write my book for women, because by the time they called him, they had no money to pay him. Most often they were ripped off through romance.
At the same time I was facing prosecution for breaching the Corporations Act, so I held off publishing until I got a penalty. That penalty turned out to be 8 months in prison. The prison experience brought out the real writer in me.

James : When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I started receiving letters in prison from strangers who’d had my prison letters forwarded to them. That’s when I really knew the Lord was doing something with my writing. I had no internet access so I would post a letter for our family and friends to my husband, Justin. He would type it out in an email and send it to them. The letters tracked my journey through prison, how I coped, funny stories and my relationship with God during that time. Those emails went viral and the feedback I received was very encouraging. I wanted to keep a record of my experiences. I also kept a journal of things I couldn’t put in letters and my intimate moments with God. I instinctively, knew what I was writing was important and the feedback showed the Lord was using my letters to touch people.


James : How much did you write before you were published? 

Not much. I’m easily distracted and prefer talking to writing. I’ve heard real writers just have to write, they can’t help it. I need a reason to write. I find it hard to sit still and write, so I’ve learned to do it in bite sized chunks. That’s probably why the prison letters worked so well.

James : What is your favorite part of writing? 

Seeing it in print! Writing is hard work, it takes a lot of thought, so I love it when I’m “moved” to write. I get on a roll and pour it out. Then I go back and slash it down to the best words.

James : Tell us about your latest release. 

My latest release is Weapons of Cash Destruction: Protect Your Fortune from Fraud. It’s the gender neutral version of my women’s fraud book. I’ve produced 3 books in 3 years and the one most people are interested in still, is my “Treasures of Darkness: A Prison Journey.” When I first came home I put all my papers in a box and shoved it under the couch. I couldn’t even look at it without feeling shaky and ill. I was told that was a symptom of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). A year later, the Lord impressed on me that I needed to collate the letters and journal entries as a book. It was difficult and I found myself having to forgive certain issues and people all over again. Fortunately the Lord gave me the grace to work through it. Now I see the hope and courage I didn’t realize I had at the time.


James : Wow! This book sounds really good. Are you planning on writing more in the years to come? 

Yes, on leadership. There has been a journey of healing and rebuilding that I believe the Lord will have me share from. I’ve had time to reflect back on what the Lord did and will include keys to healing, self-leadership and dealing with difficult people too.

James : So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how have you overcome it? 

The worst attack came from my own mind. I felt ashamed of my failure and didn’t think I had the right to offer anything. Some months after I got home, the Lord impressed on me to publish my first book, “Dangerous Wealth: What Every Successful Woman Needs to Know to Avoid Being Ripped Off!” I wondered, “How can I publish a book and people not find out I’ve been in prison?” I was deeply ashamed. I had to make the decision to go public and tell them myself.

How did I do that? I knew in my heart that the Lord expected me to. I believe the only thing worse than going through an adversity, is to waste it. I was afraid, but I did it afraid anyway. Then I was invited to speak to a business group. My story and it’s lessons were appreciated. From that engagement I received more and more invitations to speak. The Lord opened the doors.

A second criticism I received was at a Christian business conference designed to encourage and release us in our calling. I had recently published my prison book “Treasures of Darkness” and was looking for guidance and encouragement. Perhaps I was looking for “man’s” approval? One of the leaders said I should stop what I was doing and burn all my books. Fortunately I had travelled enough with God down that road to recognise there was something about my story that offended him. I realised I could let him rob me of my courage or defend it. I quietly and firmly told him his “word did not witness to my spirit, but thank you anyway.” Fortunately the other leaders disagreed with him as well. I was shaken but pleased I had defended the precious, hard won gift the Lord had given me.


James : What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of

My family. In particular, helping my children heal from the damage they suffered due to my imprisonment, the length of time I was absent and the PDST I suffered afterwards. My husband and I have been careful to guide them through the pain, teaching them to position themselves for the Lord to be able to “make all things work for good”. We parent carefully, prayerfully and with purpose.

James : What does your writing process look like

Undisciplined and eclectic. I keep a folder with topics that come to me. Every now and then I’ll look at one and pray. I start with brainstorming questions around that topic, putting them in a logical order and answering them.

James :  How did you get published? 
I researched self publishing companies. I wasn’t interested in being rejected by a traditional publisher. I didn’t know if my books were any good or if anyone would be interested. I only knew I had to do it. As it turns out, people are interested. My prison book sells just as well as my business books, even at secular events.

James : How do you come up with title of your books

I came up with Dangerous Wealth, because wealth is a double edged sword. It can do good and it can get you into trouble. The subtitle “What Every Successful Woman Needs to Know to Avoid Being Ripped Off!” was necessary to clarify what it is about.

“Treasures of Darkness” is from Isaiah 45:3, “I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, so that you may know that I, the Lord, which calls you by name, am the God of Israel.” The Lord had showed me many treasures in the darkness of prison.
“Weapons of Cash Destruction: Protect Your Fortune from Fraud!” is my third book and a “gender neutral” version of the women’s finance book. For that title I turned to the male members of a Face Book business group. I wanted to butch it up and make it appealing to men. It worked. It’s a combination of the best suggestions. I thanked them each with a PDF of the book.

James : Can you enlighten us a little more about your books? 

Not all things are good, but the Lord promises to make all things work for good when we love Him. My business books will show you how to find what makes you vulnerable and what to do about it as well as how to overcome financial setbacks. They bring out the Warrior Prince or Warrior Princess in you.

Treasures of Darkness is different. It’s not even a memoir based on a selective memory. It was written as it happened, real and raw, so you will go through it with me. The good new is, the Lord was there with me too, showing me how to overcome, challenging old assumptions, bringing fresh revelation. You will see how much He is with you, when you draw on Him.


James: Tell us your guiding principle that governs your life?  

Love God. Maintain an intimate relationship with Him. Love people. See Christ in them, but be discerning about them too. Ask the Lord for His perspective of any circumstance, blessing or person. That’s when you’ll find treasure and purpose.

James : How have you cultivated these values? 

Choosing to trust God in a circumstance, rather than blame Him for it. Practising forgiveness. Modelling and teaching these values to my children. Prison really defined and tested these values. It taught me to see past the exterior to Christ inside a person, to genuinely care about them. When people sense you genuinely care, you can reach them.


James : Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published? 

Yes. It’s not about YOU. Your writing is for His glory, to further His purposes, whether it be simply a heart-warming romance or a serious “How-To” book. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3) Walk humbly, don’t confuse your opinion with the gospel. “Passion without Compassion, is just Ambition.”

Write to be understood rather than to impress. Pray to be effective.

You can do things very, very cheaply if you are resourceful. Outsource using websites such as oDesk. I recommend CreateSpace as a print-on-demand service because it requires simple formatting and has excellent customer service.

Be humble and market your books. Literary snobbery against the business of books dishonours God. If He has given you a message to get out there, you don’t have the right to sit on it and wait to be discovered. Hire a professional editor so you don’t sound illiterate, yet still retain your own “voice” in the work.

Choose a title that will get the reader’s attention.

Make a book trailer. Make it attention getting from the start. Mine is here Watch Book Trailer "Treasures of Darkness - A Prison Journey"

If you have a how-to or helpful book, learn to be a speaker and sell your books at the back of the room. If you can’t speak in front of anyone, talk to your computer camera and record a video teaching what you know. Separate the audio and you suddenly have 3 products from one.


Meanwhile, I also keen to review your book, Treasure of Darkness, if you have no objection.

Thanks and look forward to co-operate with you.





Sunday 3 February 2013

THINK LIKE A WINNER - BOOK REVIEW


THINK LIKE A WINNER - BOOK REVIEW


If you’re a Christ follower, then you’ll really enjoy Think Like A Winner: How Renewing Your Mind with God's Word Empowers You to Win in Life  by Krystal Kuehn.

This Christian walk book tells us God's plan of taking part in our lives so as to empower us to think and live like a Winner. I received a review copy of the book a few days ago and have been reading through it during the days and nights.

Have you been daydreaming to be Christ-like?

Think Like A Winner is a Christian book targeted at those people who want to be transformed and live like a Christ-like person, especially for those who find their lives fundamentally unrewarding, un-enriching and un-fulfilling.  If this sounds like you, then you will like the author, guided by the spirit, is talking your language and telling you lively on how to gain the highest perspective on life by strengthening your faith.  

This book is a perfect companion to your Christian life journey.  Gives you a good understanding of God's promises on who you are in Christ that will transform You from inside out. It starts with a beautiful, meaningful and powerful verse, Roman 12:2 which is the corner stone of the winning formula
 . 
This Is The Every Christian’s Life Companion
I think that what I enjoyed most about this book is the overall process in detailing, how you need to embrace, think and live like a Winner.  This is the book that truly builds up the foundation that results in profound changes in your life with a deepened understanding and relationship with the Lord that leads to true fulfillment in Him. This highest perspective will open the readers' hearts to Him. It’s about the transformation process that take place in order to enable anyone to see from God's perspective. Then follow by steps to strengthen one's faith by staying and connecting with Him to draw His strength to overcome whatever obstacles and barriers that come along your journey.  That’s what makes this book worth reading.
Kuehn writes more than the way you or I would tell a Winning way by sharing the process that moves you to think like a winner before you will be given ample examples and exercises on how to apply and put Biblical truth, principles and live with it. 
As you read through the book, you’ll be able to visualise how the entire plan of life designed, by the One above, for your good.  By living inside you, to lead you to live life like winner so long as you chose so . In this connection, you will able to see the familiar themes of born again, relationship building, unlearnt and re-learnt.  The book isn’t meant to persuade or dissuade you – it’s meant to inform and educate you so that you can make a good decision about what’s wanting for your good.

Biblical principles, Application and Revelation
You can probably read this book in a leisurely weekend.  Pray before reading it.  It’s less than 40 pages, light, practically useful and well supported by all the relevant and material biblical verses.  Each chapter flows not only smoothly, but is well connected from one chapter to the other before leading you the way to live like a Winner, apart from the exercises of its application. 

The Title Is Precise, Concise and Exactly Right
It should sell quite a few copies on the title alone. Important lesson to me and I have to admit the title is irresistible. 

Live as a Winner definitely is a noble goal, because it propels and prosper you to the greater height of success. Grounded with good , sound and solid understanding of this transformation will ease your christian walk. You will be empowered to walk by faith, and not by sight. Consistent and persistent application is the surest way to live like a winner.
This book is ideal for anyone who feels you had been living life without much meaning and is looking for inspiration to go off on his own.