by Diane Williams | Jun 21, 2018 | Uncategorized
The Positive Thinking Secret by Aaron Kennard. Author Kennard begins the first chapter telling us his secret: “We are truly amazing and every day is a good day, and every event in our lives is good. All things work together for good.” Kennard repeats those words throughout his book so often I am led to believe that this is not only this his secret, but his daily mantra.
His life is everything he ever wanted. He is a hardworking, loving devoted husband, father, worker and community leader who is happy and never encountered any personal hardships; life was good, his faith unshakable, his spirits high. He loved life and living.
Then life began to test Kennard’s faith. He triumphed over adversities: first, the unexpected painful breech birth of his fourth child, who took twenty-one seconds to release a resounding wail. After that victory, his faith continued to be tested. Kennard contracted a sudden traumatic illness: ulcerative colitis. Through it all, this author candidly narrates his inspiring story.
At the onset of Kennard’s illness, he remained steadfast in his faith. He believed he would be healed and he believed the illness was for a good reason, embracing the moment and seeking for the best possible message. As the scripture says: God works all things for good.
Kennard sets up each chapter taking his readers on his journey to recovery. He uses sensory words, vivid descriptions, and raw details to describe his battle with tragic illness. At times I was on the verge of puking. Yet I continued to read. To my amazement I was so invested in his story I almost forgot he was literally writing about his untamed waste. He sparks curiosity with his intriguing cliffhangers at the end of the chapters.
However, I understand why the author so graphically described his experiences. He did it to demonstrate that he could have chosen to see his situation as doomed and himself as a victim, or he could choose to see the circumstances as Napoleon Hill states, “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” And he chose the latter.
Kennard’s use of sensory words takes you to the edge of his experience and he pulls you back in with biblical scriptures and words of hope. The reaction to your adverse circumstances is yours. Kennard reminds the readers of this on almost every page and it appears so frequently it plays like a mantra, “You are truly amazing. It’s your choice to believe and receive it or not.” Kennard also supports his mantra in Romans 8:28 that all things work for goods to them that love the lord.
As the days passed, the gravity of his situation worsened. Then life handed him another situation over which he had very little or no control. His illness affected his son. The child displayed horrific emotional outbursts. Kennard confessed to feeling powerless and at one point he gave in. Kennard’s faith coupled with his confidence began to wane, and he even prayed for death. Instead, he received life…A full recovery.
Kennard believed that experiencing the devastating tragic disease provided him with passion, empathy, and understanding for others enduring a traumatic hardship in their lives.
Reading Kennard’s inspiring story, I don‘t doubt that readers will connect to his life: praying and rooting for his family and, in the end, rejoicing about his transformation. This book provides hope, faith, and motivation for people seeking a transformation.
by Diane Williams | Jun 21, 2018 | Uncategorized
Author Kennard begins the first chapter telling us his secret: “We are truly amazing and every day is a good day, and every event in our lives is good. All things work together for good.” Kennard repeats those words throughout his book so often I am led to believe that this is not only this his secret, but his daily mantra.
His life is everything he ever wanted. He is a hardworking, loving devoted husband, father, worker and community leader who is happy and never encountered any personal hardships; life was good, his faith unshakable, his spirits high. He loved life and living.
Then life began to test Kennard’s faith. He triumphed over adversities: first, the unexpected painful breech birth of his fourth child, who took twenty-one seconds to release a resounding wail. After that victory, his faith continued to be tested. Kennard contracted a sudden traumatic illness: ulcerative colitis. Through it all, this author candidly narrates his inspiring story.
At the onset of Kennard’s illness, he remained steadfast in his faith. He believed he would be healed and he believed the illness was for a good reason, embracing the moment and seeking for the best possible message. As the scripture says: God works all things for good.
Kennard sets up each chapter taking his readers on his journey to recovery. He uses sensory words, vivid descriptions, and raw details to describe his battle with tragic illness. At times I was on the verge of puking. Yet I continued to read. To my amazement I was so invested in his story I almost forgot he was literally writing about his untamed waste. He sparks curiosity with his intriguing cliffhangers at the end of the chapters.
However, I understand why the author so graphically described his experiences. He did it to demonstrate that he could have chosen to see his situation as doomed and himself as a victim, or he could choose to see the circumstances as Napoleon Hill states, “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” And he chose the latter.
Kennard’s use of sensory words takes you to the edge of his experience and he pulls you back in with biblical scriptures and words of hope. The reaction to your adverse circumstances are yours. Kennard reminds the readers of this on almost every page and it appears so frequently it plays like a mantra, “You are truly amazing. It’s your choice to believe and receive it or not.” Kennard also supports his mantra in Romans 8:28 that all things work for goods to them that love the lord.
As the days passed, the gravity of his situation worsened. Then life handed him another situation over which he had very little or no control. His illness affected his son. The child displayed horrific emotional outbursts. Kennard confessed to feeling powerless and at one point he gave in. Kennard’s faith coupled with his confidence began to wane, and he even prayed for death. Instead he received life…A full recovery.
Kennard believed that experiencing the devastating tragic disease provided him with passion, empathy, and understanding for others enduring a traumatic hardship in their lives.
Reading Kennard’s inspiring story, I don‘t doubt that readers will connect to his life: praying and rooting for his family and, in the end, rejoicing about his transformation. This book provides hope, faith and motivation for people seeking a transformation.
by Diane Williams | Jun 15, 2018 | Celebrity, Hope, Faith & Inspiration, Personal-Development, Victory
Steve Harvey’s message of happiness flows onto each of the 272 pages. Harvey stresses that we can achieve happiness, reach our dreams and become fulfilled, but we first must be willing to “jump.”
Harvey candidly tells the reader that life is about setbacks. At times, we may find ourselves in the dark where we cannot seem to find an exit. At that point, he encourages us to seek the silver lining in the situation, because every setback leads to a comeback.
His hope and his faith in his Divine power allow him to take risks, work beyond fatigue and endure rejections without resentment. The negativity he has encountered allowed him to turn in a positive direction and keep moving past his immediate situation toward his hopes and dreams.
The author’s message of happiness resonates through his life’s trials and struggles. No matter what his adversity –not his homelessness, his two divorces, his IRS financial struggles, his Miss Universe embarrassment — he confesses that through it all he believes that there is always a helping hand to guide you through your challenges.
Harvey puts his morality and Christian upbringing on display, frequently quoting his parents and the Bible. He also shares lessons learned from his parents and strangers and his own mistakes. The author tells us we can dream and have a vision, but we must put some muscle into our desires. If you want a job, turn off the video games, write a resume or a post on LinkedIn, ask a friend for help. We must “WORK” to achieve. The scripture says, “Faith without works is dead James 2:14.”
In this poignant, practical and inspirational book, the author uses his own personal anecdotes to demonstrate his results when he “jumps” to reach his desire. Inevitably there are times when we fail and want to give up. You can almost hear an echo of Harvey’s voice, telling you not to give up, but instead to “Jump,” as he advises.
Harvey lives a victorious life: financially sound, happy relationships, empowered career, inspired love, family fulfillment. Yet adversity still finds him. When those adverse circumstances arise, Harvey uses his faith to help him move in the direction of right decision to continue his life’s joyous fulfillment.
Through most of Harvey’s books, he gives the advice to change your circumstances. In Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man he gives relationship advice; In Act like a Success, Think Like a Success, he gives career advice; and in Jump, he gives advice in both these categories, along with advice to transform our individual selves.
Harvey’s books are written with vigor and passion. He speaks candidly to his readers. It feels as though he’s your uncle or your buddy offering the compelling advice to “Jump” and take a leap of faith. He writes with conviction, motivating you to turn your dreams into realities. Please beware, though: Jump is targeted to a population of people wanting to change either their circumstances, themselves or both. If that sounds like what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed when you complete the last page. Go ahead…Take action…Read Jump.
In addition to being an author, Steve Harvey is also a standup comedian, TV personality, and philanthropist as a co-founder of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
by Diane Williams | May 29, 2018 | Celebrity, Victory
“Nothing’s Impossible!” — Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett wanted to be an NBA champion. People around him told him he would never make it to the NBA because of the boulders in his path. This included his mother, who believed he would be better suited for social work. But Garnett had a dream, and unstoppable determination, and kept his eye on the prize: an NBA championship. (more…)
The Positive Thinking Secret by Aaron Kennard. Author Kennard begins the first chapter telling us his secret: “We are truly amazing and every day is a good day, and every event in our lives is good. All things work together for good.” Kennard repeats those words throughout his book so often I am led to believe that this is not only this his secret, but his daily mantra.
