BOOK REVIEW: SPEAK TO YOUR LIFE: DAILY DEVOTIONALS

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By Lady Shaunte’ Garrett

 
Book Review by Dennis Moore

 

February 4, 2010 (San Diego) -- Yesterday, I ministered to inmates at the George Bailey Center Jail in San Diego County, reading from Speak to Your Life, a book of daily devotionals by San Diego's Stellar Award-winning gospel radio announcer Lady Shaunte Garrett “Today I will have an attitude of peace. I won’t get upset with petty things. I will be pleasant to everyone I come in contact with and will not fall for satan’s attempts to get me upset. I will resist him and he will flee.”

This was followed by the Biblical scripture: Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they will be called sons of God.

These inmates  attentively held on to the words that I read from Lady Shaunte’s book, and later expressed an appreciation for being ministered to as we prayed together.

Since I also minister to inmates at the RJ Donovan Prison in San Diego County, Lady Shaunte’ has expressed to me a willingness and desire to read to inmates there. Her Daily Devotional for May 2nd, “Hope/Encourage/Endurance,” would be most appropriate: “Today I vow to be a prisoner of hope. I will be unshakeable in my faith and I will refuse to give up!” This is followed by the following scripture in the Bible as a reference point for her daily devotional:

Zechariah 9:12 Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I will restore twice as much to you.

The book exemplifies the author's values.  A writer for the nationally syndicated Donnie McClurkin radio show, she is also a youth leader and mentor at the New Creation Church of San Diego and in her community. She has dedicated her book to her grandmother, Gladys Lee Garrett.

Speak To Your Life is as much about Lady Shaunte’ Garrett as it is about the scriptures that she quotes, as it is clear through each daily devotional in her book that she loves the Lord. Her biography resonates throughout each daily devotional.

Born in Oakland and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Shaunte’ Garrett, AKA “Lady Shaunte,” was recently named the 2009 Stellar Award Winner for Gospel Announcer of The Year. The Stellar Awards is the highest honor in gospel music and is the premier African-American Gospel Music Award. This accomplished author and speaker, who is passionate about her faith, has been quoted as stating; “a walk of faith in obedience to God which has truly paid off.” She most recently served as Program Director and on-air Sunday mornings host for “Mighty Good Day With Lady Shaunte” at “The New Soul of San Diego,” 1240AM, since the birth of the radio station in 2004.Typical of the type of music that Garrett would have promoted, is the attached song from my former church in Chicago, the Apostolic Church of God here.

Lady Shaunte’believes her calling is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the masses.  She gives  honor and praise to God for all that she believes He does in her life. Thus, the driving force and inspiration behind her Speak To Your Life, Daily Devotionals.

I started my day reading from her book, which stated; “Today I will renew my commitment to God by taking a spiritual holiday. I will break from my usual routine and concentrate on drawing closer to God and the things of God. I will use this as a time to refresh my mind and body.” This was followed by the following scripture in the Bible as a reference point:

Numbers 28:1-2 The Lord said to Moses, Give this command to the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to me at the appointed time the food for my offerings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me.

In her book, each day Lady Shaunte’ gives different words of hope and encouragement from a Biblical perspective. These words of hope and encouragement are designed to resonate throughout one's consciousness in a way to bring readers closer to their Lord and Savior, at least in my interpretation. Each day readers of this book will be uplifted through scriptures and motivational messages.

 I encourage readers to include Speak To Your Life in their daily devotionals.  Truly, the books motivational passages will get your day started out right.

Lady Shaunte’ sums up her book by stating; “My prayer is that Speak To Your Life will encourage you to be all that you can be in Christ. That it would assist you in speaking victory over your life daily and that you would recognize the power that your words have over your circumstances."

For more information, visit www.ladyshaunte.com.

Dennis Moore is a member of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild, a writer and contributor with the East County Magazine in San Diego, and LifeAfter50 Magazine in Pasadena, California. He has also written for the Baja Times Newspaper in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. He is the Book Review Editor for SDWriteway, a WebZine newsletter. He has written a yet to be published book about Chicago politics, The City That Works. Mr. Moore is also the President of Contracts & Agency, a consulting, marketing and promotions company. He can be contacted at contractsagency@gmail.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.

 

 


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Comments

Praise God!

I Love this Review! First I would like to say Mr. Moore you really capture the most valued aspects of Lady Shaunte’ Garrett's book. It was truly well written! To Lady Shaunte’ Garrett It is always a pleasure to me to see other stronger, wise, devoted African American author that are women such as yourself. It truly inspires me to push harder on my new journey and mission with God. One thing I desire most is to constantly have a strong committed relationship with God. I truly believe that is the core to our true purpose. I want to thank you because reading your review and knowing How much God has blessed you in your journey is a greater impact and blessing to my life. I am only 20 years old but I truly know the favor of God and the move of God. I can tell the passion that you have to not only serve God but also serve others. I pray nothing but greater favor and blessing over your life. Please don't allow anything to distract you or turn you around. You are truly inspiring lives! I am not sure if you have heard of my book "Said I Wouldn't Tell It but I Just Can't Keep It to Myself" but I am the author of that book. It is about my life and the struggles I have been through in my life and the message that I received through my storms from God. I must admit at first I was afraid to take that step to writing it but were i get my most joy from is ministering to other young women and men my age. I learned that All the Glory belongs to God and I am truly just His vessel passing through. I would love to purchase your book as well, I feel right now in my journey it will truly bless me. Mr. Dennis Moore also did a wonderful review on my book which was recently posted please take a look at it. I don't believe you will be disappointment by it. Please if you have time take a look at my website that I create tamekahicks460.wix.com/saidiwouldnttell. It will give you a sample read and just a little more information about who I am. May God bless you! this is link to my review http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/said-i-wouldnt-tell-itbut-i-just-cant-keep-it-myself I would love and be honored to connect with you! You are so right Faith is Key! Author Tameka Hicks

Author Joyce Reed of " Hurt Used To Live Here"

Very encouraging story and well written review Dennis... Sounds like its a must read 

 

Using the words I recorded in journals and notebooks I kept as a young girl, I now bare my soul within these pages by sharing my truth. I share my personal struggles with the world to help others and give them the support and love I never felt as a young girl. I don’t want anyone to ever feel, what I felt growing up, but in my years of healing I realize that I am certainly not the only one. It was a lot of hurt and pain but there are ways to get through it, to do more than just survive. Reclaim your worth, your dignity, your SELF.  He will see you through it, and He will put people in your path that will help along the way.

I am sharing my story with you, so others, who have judged me without knowing the silent pain that I carried, will finally understand. “Never judge a book by its cover, first open it and read it.” So as the Bible says, I am making it plain, and writing it on tablets--making my life that open book; a book that includes a vision of hope, faith and victory that many desire, but few have claimed. 

At the end of my story, you will have cried, laughed, had chills or even gotten upset, feel hurt or feel loved. But at the very end of it all I want you to take my words, then write your own story, or rewrite your story with a new path of healing, love, and faith. Then you too can share with the world and change someone’s life. It starts with a thought or the spoken word and ends with change. In the beginning was the word. And the two most powerful words on the planet are: I am. Anything behind that should be positive. So I will say that  I am single mom of two wonderful boys, I am a business owner, I am a writer, I am a college graduate, I am a friend, I am a WOMAN, I am stubborn, I am real, I am a best friend, I am loving, I am worthy, I am forgiving, I am A fighter, I am a beautiful, “I AM” wonderful,  I am GOD’s child

I am Joyce Reed and this is my journey.

Check out my Videos and see exactly what " Hurt Used To Live here " is all about , click on the link below to view my you tube video: 
 
My Life, My Story, My Journey -
http://youtu.be/3RgjQOC7HHA

 
 
 

-- 

He will NEVER leave you NOR FORSAKE you !!!

 
Facebook - Author Joyce Reed
Twitter- Iamurvoice
Instagram - iamurvoice
Website- www.iamurvoice.com
 
God Bless 
 
Author Joyce Reed

 

"Murder Is A Family Affair"

Thank you Donalie, I am currently reading your manuscript "Murder Is A Family Affair" and I hope to do as good of a job on writing a review of your book in the East County Magazine.

Thanks!

Looks like a great book! I always keep a shelf of books "ripening," but I'm moving yours to the front of my list. I'm not a big church goer, but I think of myself as a spiritual person. I find myself most like a Quaker, practicing mindfulness in my activities, especially woodworking ;-)

Lady Shaunte featured in Ebony Magazine as SexySingles 2010

Lady Shaunte indicated in her feature in Ebony Magazine that her "Kid Crush" was on Michael Jackson, and that she also mesmerized. She described her "dating fantasy" as; "He would surprise me at work or church or in a public place with hundreds of red roses, take me to my favorite restaurant, and we would ride off into the sunset on horses.

Oprah Winfrey Show

Lady Shaunte' is auditioning with Oprah Winfrey for her own TV show, and deservedly so!

Hope/Encouragement/Endurance

Today I celebrate the fact that I don't have to endure this life on my own! I have a Heavenly Father who sits high and looks low and His love for me is unconditional.

Psalm 117:2 For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

Wisdom/Truth/Knowledge

Today I will share the knowledge I have about Jesus Christ with someone else. I will testify about what He has done in my life and be willing to spread the good news to anyone who will listen.

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Wisdom/Truth/Knowledge

Today I remind myself that just having knowledge of Jesus Christ is not enough. I must have an obedient spirit towards His word and be willing to have an active relationship with Him as I follow wherever He leads.

Wisdom/Truth/Knowledge

Today I will ask God for his wisdom in all that I do. I know that He can see what I cannot and His thoughts are supreme.

Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Thank you!

I am glad that people are being blessed by "Speak To Your Life".
I pray to God that people will be encouraged all over the world!
Thank you for your support!

~Lady Shaunte'

My Daily Devotional

I started my day today, February 22, 2010, by reading from Lady Shaunte's Speak To Your Life, Daily Devotionals, which specifically stated; "Today I make the decision to sacrifice. Whatever I need to give up now so that my situation will be greater later, I will do it. It might be food, it might be time or it might be money. But I know that anything worth having is worth the sacrifice, and I want all that God has for me."

That was followed by this scripture;

Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

Lady Shaunte', your Daily Devotionals are a Blessing to me, as I am sure it is to many others.

Regards,

Dennis Moore

Well Done Lady Shaunte!

Speak To Your Life is the perfect daily devotional for someone on the go like myself. I can read each day's devotional in about 30 seconds and it sticks with me the entire day. Many devotionals are so "wordy" they end up losing the attention of the reader. Lady Shaunte gets right to the point. I read it, I get it, and I'm gone! Ready to carry the message and scripture with me all day long.

Congratulations Shaunte! I'm proud to know you and proud be a daily reader of Speak To Your Life.

Wisdom/Truth/Wisdom

Today I will ask God to reveal to me the truth about myself. I will ask Him to show me where I am lacking and help me to improve where I have shortcomings. I will accept what He reveals and make the necessary changes.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Timely

With all that's been going on and still going on in one's daily life, this devotional book could not be more timely. "Speak To Your Life" does just that. It not only speaks, but it gives one the courage to go on another day. I've purchased several copies to share with friends and loved ones and they too have found it to be one of the most uplifting and powerful tools to help them in their busy lives. It reads easy and resonates in your mind throughout the day. Well done Lady Shaunte Garrett!

February 15th Daily Devotional

After reading Lady Shaunte's Daily Devotional yesterday, I felt compelled to call my two sons in Chicago, and one in Alabama, and tell them that I loved them. Lady Shaunte's Daily Devotional for February 15th, specifically states; "Today I make the commitment to tell the people I love the most that I love them more often. I know that tomorrow is not promised and I will make a serious effort to not only show more love but to say it."

Following this Daily Devotional was this chosen Scripture by Lady Shaunte'; "James 4:14 Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

I actually read this Daily Devotional to my sons, and then told them I loved them. I was unable to read and tell this to my 16-year old daughter Brandy, as she is upset at me, and has not given me her new phone number for me to call her. But, I am sure she knows I love her. I even left a voicemail message to Brandy's mother, still my wife after 9 years of separation, and an attempted divorce, reading this Daily Devotional.

I think we all would be much happier people, if we start our days off by reading Lady Shaunte's "Speak To Your Life, Daily Devotionals," and allowing it to resonate through our thoughts and minds throughout each day.

Wonderful Book

Lady Shaunte's book signing at Stockdale's fine dining was absolutely wonderful. Thank you Lady Shaunte' for writing a book that goes right to the heart of the matter. It's all about how we tend to our attitudes, love and care for one another.

May God continue to give you favor in all you do.

GM Wade

Amen!

This seems to be the sentiments of many others reading Lady Shaunte's Daily Devotionals.

Book Signing for Lady Shaunte' at Stockdale's

Having just left the book signing for Lady Shaunte' at Stockdale's Fine Southern Cuisine Restaurant, I am proud to be associated with such an inspiring and motivational book, and to have been given the opportunity to write the book review. Lady Shaunte's book is just scratching the surface as to where it is going to take her. May God continue to Bless her.

Regards,

Dennis

Lady Shaunte & Dennis Moore

Lady Shaunte, May I take a moment to express both my thanks and appreciation to you for investing a huge amount of time to pour out blessings to all of us with your new book...Speak to your life. A big shot out congrats to you, and of course, I am proud to honor you....and may the good fortunes of life shine over you, and may GODS favor continue to be yours. Blessings 2 U and Good Luck....John Samuel, Sales Manager....East County Magazine.

Dennis, let me hit you right between the eyes man!!Another Miraculous job with the book review on Lady Shaunte!s Speak to your life. You really enhanced the entire field for comprehensive coverage to readers and potential readers. Thanks again for all of your hard work tripled with Pride, Dedication and Total Commitment......John Samuel, Sales Manager....East County Magazine.

Inspiring and Motivation

John, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet this truly inspiring literary talent, and the further opportunity of writing her book review. Clearly, what she has written is a labor of love, and devinely inspired.

May God Bless,

Dennis