Power to the Papal

Power to the Papal: Exposing Public Enemy #1, The Red Diamond and ChurchX by Ilise Sorele

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Ilise Sorele’s book Power to the Papal is dedicated by the author herself to all the truth seekers from around the world. Falling into the category of religion and conspiracy theories, it could actually be a treat to anyone who is interested in either of these topics. This book is the result of 10 years of Bible research which eventually lead to a coherent personal line of thought that remains strong throughout the pages. Purchase here.

The book covers the coming of the end times, as deciphered from the Bible. While systematically going through the prophecies, the author does not only present her interpretation of the events, but also showcases paragraphs of the original text. Above all else, we are warned by the peril posed by the rise of Papal Rome. In this context, the author turns a hopeful eye towards ChurchX, identified as the true church of our times and of times to come. However, she uncovers aspects well hidden by members which contradict the goal and doctrine on which the religious foundations were built. Confrontation with a harsh truth can often bring on an awakening which was also the case here. Driven by a desire to move closer to the truth and salvation, Ilise Sorele dwells deep into the realm of prophecies.

To make things more accessible, she relies on metaphors to anchor the reader into the main concepts. Just to give you a taste, some of these are: the vault, the red diamond, public enemy #1. So, now let’s take a closer look at these. To begin with, the vault of present truth represents the spirit of prophecy which will serve as a guide in the most unsettling times for humanity. Even if we are faced with dark hours in the future, there is a light to help us through by warning us of imminent dangers and teaching us how to adapt. Furthermore, the red diamond, another key element, is the true identity of the Holy Spirit, a figure that played a central role in the scenario of humanity and will continue to do so. Finally, I will leave it up to the author herself to disclose the identity of public enemy #1. I will say only that he will bring an impending global conflict through a centralized government based in Jerusalem with the ultimate goal to rule the world.

In the end, even if Ilise Sorele’s Power to the Papal was written for a target audience of religious truth seekers, that does not mean that the larger public cannot find this an intriguing read. Written in a very accessible and leisurely way, the text, still manages to provoke the reader to thought, and more importantly, to action.

 

Dancing with Death

Dancing with Death: An Epic and Inspiring Travel Adventure

Book Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Offering an intensely evocative and aptly titled narrative, Dancing with Death both guides and inspires, armchair adventurers as well as venturesome travelers to the jungles, seas, people and cultures of the world’s “roads” less traveled within the beautiful panoramas of Latin America. Co-authored by co-adventurers Jean-Philippe Soulé and Luke Shullenberger, this dynamic read memorializes not only their experiences during their expansive sea kayaking journey, but also serves to help bring awareness to the cultures and history of the seldom seen or noted native peoples they encountered. Purchase here.

From the start, the story treats the mind to the emotions and visages entwined in this thrilling narrative which memorializes the unforgettable and awe-inspiring expedition by sea touted as a one of a kind undertaking. Author, guide, and adventurer Jean-Philippe Soulé accompanied by fellow adventurer and able friend Luke Shullenberger find themselves and their kayaks sorely tested by weather, tides and their bodies as they paddled thousands of miles braving often life-threatening conditions including near drowning, malaria, shark attacks, crocodiles, guerillas, armed bandits and corruption during their one of a kind undertaking. The overall journey spanning three years, 3000 miles and seven countries included Baja, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The expedition fully titled as the Central America Sea Kayaking Expedition 2000, but also known as the CASKE2000, was a quest intended as an effort to connect with, learn about and preserve in writing the history of the self-reliant, indigenous peoples and their respect for and relationship with the earth.

Overall, the book provides an absorbing view of life for the two sea bound kayakers. Readers are made privy to the challenges, successes, and failures of their journey supplied via their intimate thoughts and experiences through the inclusion of their alternating journal entries, of which I found did well to enhance the read by providing deep insight and focus to emotions with differing perspectives concerning the elements of planning, preparation, and embarking on the expedition.

Altogether, I did enjoy reading Dancing with Death. The book was easy to engage with and well-organized. I found the narrative an intelligently composed chronicle and compelling read that riled the senses with descriptive exposition and well-organized literate visions of superhuman determination, extreme traveling adventure, fraught with kayaking adventure, spine-tingling moments, exotic environments and intriguing people and cultures.

I also enjoyed their close up encounters with wildlife which made for particularly exciting reading especially the section on playing hide and seek with giant sea turtles. Additionally, aside from portraying a phenomenal travel super-adventure, included in the book are some of the most stunning photos that I have seen, as well as the additional perk of a fantastically organized website where you get to experience even more details of their journey. However, the very best aspect of the book is the inspirational tone of the whole book. The authors, although faced with the adversity and danger of their expedition, did not quit. They simply followed their dreams, a must I think, for all travelers. I definitely and heartily reco

 

Money please come back

Money Please Come Back: Changing Your Relationship with Money and Growing It by Jeremy Kho

Categories: Business, Education, Finance, How To, Inspiration, LIfestyle, Non-Fiction, Real Estate, Writing

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Jeremy Kho came back with another significant book about how to manage your finances. Following The Journey from Poor Procrastinator to Invested Millennia, which encouraged the reader to take charge of his or her finances and become an active economic agent, Money Please Come Back takes things to the next level. This book works as an easy to read step by step guide toward reaching not just financial independence but freedom. Purchase here.

It is easy to get drawn in by the friendly and informal writing style of Jeremy Kho which is more reminiscent of a leisurely but informative conversation than a written text. Also, the financial terminology, which might scare away some, is used in a considerate manner followed by ample explanation and exemplification. The complexity of the economic system is presented in a structured and simplified way so that it can be easily assimilated by those who do not have a background in this domain. However, the most valuable part of the book is its practicality. While relying on a solid theoretical framework, the author put forward a series of steps to follow. The reader can easily act upon the advice presented in the book if he/she desires so. Needless to say, this does not imply that the road will necessarily be easy or risk-free, only that financial freedom is within reach for anyone.

Jeremy Kho encourages the reader to treat finances like any relationship. And as we all know, not all types of relationships are beneficial. The first step is to analyze and define it in order to gain an accurate image of the situation. Once you have a clear vision of where you currently are, you need to do the same with the future. Of course, there is a colorful variety of goals one can have, but the endgame should always be to break free of the shackles of financial strain and reach freedom.

Money Please Come Back was written by Jeremy Kho with the intention of passing on his academic and empirical knowledge. It will certainly prove a useful read for anyone who struggles with money-related issues. The main aim of the book is to help build a healthy relationship with one’s finances and what is more to reach freedom.

 

The Four Hats of Leadership

The Four Hats of Leadership by Drake E. Taylor

Book Reviewed by Dianne Woodman

Drake E. Taylor, an officer in the United States Air Force, advocates four types of hats that will help individuals become effective and successful leaders. The Preface is an excellent tool for drawing readers into The Four Hats of Leadership: Be Who Your People Need You to Be. The four types of hats are The Farmer’s Hat, The Drill Instructor’s Hat, The Psychologist’s Hat, and The Self-Care Hat. Taylor does an excellent job of providing an analogy between a farmer’s job and that of leading a team of people, describing the role of when it is appropriate to use the drill instructor’s hat in a civilian environment, the value of the psychologist hat and ways to help people with their emotional well-being, and the importance of the self-care hat for a leader’s mental health. Purchase Here.

The book focuses not only on the viability of utilizing the four hats in the military but also in the civilian environment. Black and white photographs and quotes from well-known individuals tie in beautifully with the subject matter in each hat section. Taylor explains how each hat serves a purpose in leadership and the benefits of incorporating them into a work environment. He provides many ideas and goes into detail about key principles needed to become an outstanding leader and the challenges facing anyone in a leadership position. Taylor interweaves his own personal experiences throughout the book, which reflect both his achievements and his missteps in his career path. These examples are invaluable for making the information more compelling and relatable. Unambiguous sentences lead to easy understandability for the reader. Words on a few pages are missing letters. However, readers can still easily decipher the words.

At the end of the book is a beneficial section titled “Leadership Library.” It includes a worksheet questionnaire that will enable organizations to learn pertinent information about individual employees. Also, there are several quotes that are applicable to leadership and self-care that can be used to motivate not only people in management positions but also their workers. This book is a useful tool for individuals either pursuing a leadership position or interested in incorporating these hats into their leadership job.

A Tempered Faith

A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss by Jennifer Sands

Book reviewed by Nancy Eaton

There are so many stories regarding the events of September 11, 2001. Some are told by the family members who lost loved ones on this day and others are told by the survivors. The stories are very sad; but, at the same time, they are all unique and very intriguing. It’s difficult to imagine what the relatives and friends of people who were killed on September 11 went through at the time and for the years that followed this terrible assault on America. Purchase Here.

Jennifer Sands tells us her personal story. She met her soul mate, Jim, through a dating service. The two were surprised that they went to the same school, lived in the same town, etc. but never met each other. They got married. Jennifer worked as a pharmacist and Jim worked for Cantor Fitzgerald at the World Trade Center. They enjoyed a few short, wonderful years together. They both had a love for Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands.

On the night of September 10, 2001, Jim and Jennifer watched their favorite team, the New York Giants, play on Monday Night Football. Their dinner turned out to be a disaster (pasta made with a jar of sauce.) Since Jennifer was Italian this was really a no-no. Jim decided to make some popcorn. The popcorn burned but Jim ate it anyway. As a result, Jim’s stomach did not feel well during the night. As I was reading this section of the book, I wondered – if only Jim had called in sick the next morning…Jennifer also had the same thought.

Jennifer, a Catholic, always prayed for Jim’s safety. He had a long commute to work between the drive and the ferry. She thought that praying is all she needed to do because she had a contract with God. However, after losing Jim in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center she grew more and more angry with God. She wondered how God could let something like this happen.

Jennifer’s nephew, Kevin, gave her a special Christmas gift, a journal called Grace for the Moment Journal, Max Lucado’s daily devotional prayer journal. On each page there was scripture and a writing prompt. Jennifer wrote daily in the journal during 2002. This journal played a major role in helping Jennifer to heal.

Jennifer writes this story with honesty and raw emotion. You can feel her anger toward God. As time passed, you can see how she started to accept what had happened and the changes that took place in her feelings toward God. As readers go through the journal, they will clearly see how God was there for Jennifer and how he helped to answer many of her questions.

A Tempered Faith is an emotional, gripping and spiritual story of a young widow who questions God and heals in the process. I would recommend this book to everyone but especially to someone who has lost a loved one.

I had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Sands. She was a speaker at an event I attended at America’s Keswick in Whiting, NJ. After listening to her speech, I had to purchase a copy of her book, Tempered Faith, to read more details about the loss of her husband.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story with us.

On a personal note, one of the items on my “list of things to do” is to visit the 9/11 Memorial. I know this will be a very emotional and difficult trip to make but I just feel it is the least I can do to pay respect to the people who lost their lives that day. After all, these were innocent people who happened to go to work that day to earn a living. My cousin’s wife was working at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 but she was one of the lucky ones who made it safely out of the building.

Note Update: I did visit the 9/11 Memorial and as expected, it was a very somber day. Just to look at all of the photos of the people who lost their lives that day is heartbreaking. I did see the photo of Jennifer Sands’ husband. The one thing that did give me some joy that day was to see the Survivor Tree. If you are not familiar with the Survivor Tree, you can Google it and read the amazing story about this tree and what it means to the 9/11 Memorial.