Lifestyle of a Prophet: A 21 Day Journey to embracing your calling by James W. Goll (Book Review).

I read LifeStyle of a Prophet, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by James W. Goll and published by Chosen Books. I received a paperback version. 

I chose this book because I have no idea what my calling is. I know what I am good at, but is that what God wants me to do? I have done administration at a church before, but got tired of that quick. Basically, the church had a secretary and I was just helping do some work in Microsoft.  The church bought the software, but had no idea what to do next (besides train the secretary). The problems started when the pastor and secretary started calling my house multiple times per day, in a row sometimes, to get me to come in to work. I worked Third shift at a factory, plus was a new mother. I did not get home until 7 am. I needed my sleep. I didn't mind coming in, but not every day and not before 9 am. I was not going to spend all morning typing documents when I can do that at home. The secretary and I worked the same job, but different shifts. write it down and meet me in the parking lot. lol. I also love to read, write, organize, clean, cook, etc. 

But anyway, back to the book: The book is part instructional and part workbook. Each day provides a lesson, prayer, and questions. There is some space to jot down your answers. 

Some highlights which stood out in the first few readings: 

• Page 24: Selfish ambition is not the kingdom way. Promotion does not come from the Lord, but normally after you been in the game and endured a few rounds. 
• Page 25: Abandon any attempts to build your own kingdom or ministry  Forget about building your own empire. Build His Instead. Worship God passionately. Consecrate yourself to him to be his holy dwelling place. 
• Page 25: Do you want to experience the lifestyle of a prophet? It begins with intimacy. Surrender to Jesus and worship him. 
• Page 29 This is what the prophetic life and ministry are all about---human beings being filled with the breath of God, and then in turn exhaling onto others the breath of life they have received from their creator. 
• Question from Day 1: Consider the kind of friendship you desire to have with Jesus? What do you want that relationship to look like? (p.26). 
• Page 35: God wants to talk to you. He wants more than just the "right" answers so you can pass his tests. He wants to draw near to you. He is your adoring father and he cherishes his kids. Questions from the Lord are an invitation to merge from the place of hiding into transparent honesty and light. 

This was an excellent book. Excellent teaching tool, learning tool, and workbook. It also can be a small group bible study. 

Amidst Traffic by Michel Sauret

I read Amidst Traffic, in exchange for review by Michel Sauret. The book was published by One Way Street Productions. I received the paperback from Sauret. I also have the Kindle version and the Smashwords copy, I got on my own, so I can read it on my e-readers and the Kindle, of course.

About the Author: paraphased from the back of the book

Sauret, is an indie author, who was born in Rome, Italy.  Sauret graduated from University of Pittsburgh English writing department. He published "Breathing God", his first novel at 18. He also served as a public affairs specialist and journalist for the United States Army since 2004. Sauret also has won several awards, including Army Journalist of the year in 2008. He also was featured in the Northside Chronicle recently, but I could not find the article online.

My thoughts:

The book is a collection of short stories. First, I liked the coding at the beginning of the book which signified language, violence, or sexual references. The codes were the first thing, which stood out. I wanted to incorporate something similar into my next poetry book, whenever that may be. I loved the stories from Eli and his strange dream in Three Straws. I also loved Voice with a Reason. Trevor's story was emotional and intense. Voice with a Reason details the story of Trevor, voices in his head, and a bank robbery. I was entranced from beginning to end, and the end was not what I was expecting, neither was the middle. Another good story was Blessed are the War People. The story was about Myron, a military journalist, heading to Iraq. He had his camera and ammunition, ready to work, yet getting angry at a woman at the airport.  Myron also got angry at a few soldiers, but with the power of Christ, he forgave them. Though, Myron was in a war-torn country, he recognized the power of God and recognizing the enemy within ourselves.  He seemed to be passive. I saw part of myself in him. Being angry on the inside and not doing anything about it, until it builds up. The stories were descriptive, graphic, and detailed. Definitely would want to see this book in audio format. Next, I loved the cover. It was simply beautiful.

Articles discussing Amidst Traffic:
Pittsburgh City Paper:

Blogtalk radio podcast, featuring Sauret

Upcoming Appearances:

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Workshop: "Writing Short Stories with Long-Lasting Effects" | Allegheny Library

 | 6:00 p.m.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Workshop: "Self Publishing: Rising Above the Stigma" | Shaler Library

 | 6:30 p.m.