Still I Will Praise
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10 Areas Of Hardship Where We Can Choose To Praise
Renee Bondi in her new book, âÂÂStill, I Will Praiseâ published by CLC Publications teaches us The Power of Praising Godâ¦Even When We DonâÂÂt Feel Like It.
From the inside jacket leaf: If you re anything like Renée was a few years ago, you might not want to be holding this book. Praise? you might be thinking. How can I think about praising God when my life is a total mess?
But there is freedom in choosing to praise God at all times whether you feel like it or not.
Still, I Will Praise is not a how-to manual but a collection of stories from others who have found joy in trusting God through times of insecurity, grief, loss and, in Renée s case, through an injury that robbed her of mobility and her independence.
In a heartfelt, real manner, Renée, a woman who lives what she preaches, presents her journey of learning to give thanks to God in (if not for) every situation. Drawing from the Bible and personal experiences, Renée depicts the challenges and rewards of living a life surrendered to the Lord.
This book might not change your circumstances, but it will renew your perspective, which will refresh your heart and mind.
The Prophet Habakkuk knew hard times, âÂÂThough the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stallsâ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.(Habakkuk 3:17-18) We all experience hard times. Some of experience some hard times that others of us could never survive. The trick to survive whatever hardship befalls us is to do what Habakkuk taught us, no matter the hardship yet I will praise God. Renee Bondi took this verse to heart when an accident left her a quadriplegic. She could have become bitter, something really easy to do. Instead, barely able to talk, she opted to praise God. Can she walk yet? No. However, she is able to sing. In ten chapters Ms. Bondi gives us ten areas of hardship, ranging from, Loneliness to Great Loss, where we can choose to praise God. Ms. Bondi has written quite a book that gives us much to think about. I recommend it highly.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from The Blythe Daniel Agency for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommissionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255: âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
November 19, 2012
Reviewed: Still, I Will Praise
Renee Bondi has lead an extremely interesting life. She's shared the stage with people like Sandi Patty, Point of Grace, and Kathy Troccoli. She has a gifted voice but along her journey God interrupted the life she planned for herself leaving her wheelchair bound. During the process, she learned what it truly means to live in freedom by the way of praise despite our physical conditions.
Renee Bondi has a rich grasp of the Bible and uses several illustrations to connect the reader to how praising God in life's difficult times is the ticket to an abundant life. With tender honesty she recounts her journey from "Why Me?" in the beginning to "Thank You, Lord" in present day. She offers touching personal stories from her own life and the lives of several of her friends. Also included are song lyrics, poems and a Biblical stories that invite the reader to see that sometimes what we think is a catastrophe is actually a gift.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is:
"I was learning that GodâÂÂs Word changes our heart, our heart influences our mind, and our mind controls our attitude. My feelings toward my wheelchair had changed. No longer was it my enemy; now it was my companion. No longer was it my cell of captivity; now it was my agent of freedom."
Another particularly special part of this book was the prayer she offers while she is in Israel. As I read this portion of the book, my heart was broken. She prayed for healing. She expected a miracle. She included that tender, touching prayer and when she was not able to get up our of her chair after that prayer, my heart sank with her. I've prayed prayers like that. I know that kind of disappointment. The chapters that followed journals what it's like to come back from being broken to being free.
Each of the ten chapters of this book ties to a Bible characters and events and at the end is a Discussion Guide for deeper reflection making is a good choice for small group or personal Bible Study.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
Disclaimer: The review copy of "Still, I Will Praise" by Renee Bondi was provided free of charge by the author's representative in exchange for unbiased honest review.
October 16, 2012
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