Live Free: Eliminate the If Onlys and What Ifs of Life [Kindle Edition]

Kendra K. Smiley (Author), Kent Carol (Foreword)

Book Description

Women today need to be reminded that regardless of their situations, they
have the power to control their attitudes. Kendra Smiley has written Live Free
to teach women that they can make choices which will help them develop and
maintain a positive state of mind. She introduces us to women who share their real-life
experiences to show readers by example how to make those empowering choices.

Editorial Reviews

Review

With wisdom, humor and hope, Kendra Smiley's new book Empowering Choices inspires women to make choices in the midst of life's challenges that will impact their life and destiny in ways the bring glory to God. 
- Cheri Fuller, Award-Winning author of thirty books including When Mothers Pray and The Mom You're Meant to Be

If choices are indeed the hinges on which destiny swings, then Kendra has provided them ample oil in the pages of this book! 
-J. Otis Ledbetter, Senior Pastor, Sonrise Church, Co-Founder of Heritage Builders Association, A Ministry of Focus on the Family

About the Author

KENDRA SMILEY, named Illinois Mother of the Year in 2001, hosts a daily radio program, Live Life Intentionally, and speaks nationally and internationally. She graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois then went on to earn her Master of Science from University of North Dakota.

She has written more than half a dozen books including High Wire Mom and Empowering Choices. She and her husband are co-authors of Do Your Kids a Favor...Love Your Spouse and Journey of a Strong-Willed Child. Kendra has also written numerous magazine articles, contributed to several books, and currently writes a monthly column for Hearts at Home magazine.

Kendra and her husband, John, live in East Lynn, Illinois.

Product Details

• File Size: 500 KB
• Print Length: 172 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0802406467
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (June 28, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0089LOLGG
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #444,528 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A REMARKABLE BOOK! September 11, 2012

By Moonpie

Format:Paperback

Live Free is a life and attitude changing book! When we are slapped with painful and unexpected experiences, we have all fallen into the trap of asking ourselves the questions, "what if" and "if only".

Ms. Smiley does a beautiful job of gently showing us that these two phrases take away our peace, joy, and contentment from the present, and cause us to focus on the past. A past we can do nothing to alter or erase. We waste the beautiful opportunities and blessings of the present.

The bottom line is that we are not putting our full trust and faith in God. Instead, we are refusing to believe He loves us so much that He would only choose what is the very best for us.

The book is divided into the positive attitudes we should choose in response to difficult challenges we handle it with God's Word and the mind of Christ. Each chapter shares unbelievable trials a woman has faced and her incredible choice respond with courage and confidence in God. These women were just like us, with families, plans, and bright futures, never expecting the storm that was about to turn their lives upside down. Being able to relate to these women really helped me apply what I learned.

The author shows how each lady decided to focus on Christ and Scripture exclusively rather than their problem. They all could have just as easily given into hopelessness, despair, and fear. Throughout the book are beautiful thought provoking quotes and scriptures that give insight and encouragement into HOW they accomplished this. I looked at them as the stepping stones these ladies used to walk with Christ through such deep valleys.

It was so helpful the way Ms. Smiley showed in detail how each woman used the scriptures to find strength and peace in such horrible circumstances.... These women were not perfect and each openly revealed where they faltered and stumbled. They illustrate how instead of laying down where they fell; they turned to the Lord for strength and continued on. I liked all the scriptural references that anchored them to God in their storms. Ones that will help me too.

At the end of each chapter there is a "Choose to Reflect" section with a scripture and a closing thought. Excellent study questions are included that help you apply what you have learned to your life and circumstances.

This book is a keeper, one to read over again and share with friends. Mine is filled with highlights and personal notes! I found this book to be inspiring, encouraging, and comforting. Thank you Ms. Smiley for not only putting my trials into perspective but showing me how to find the "Light" in the darkest hours!

I received this book free from Moody Publishers. 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 Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 Read more ›

5.0 out of 5 stars Daily choices affect overall life impact April 13, 2013

By D. Chatley

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent overview of the positive things we can intentionally choose on a daily basis to live the abundant life that Jesus promised and to be a positive influence on those we come in contact with.

5.0 out of 5 stars Potential Lifesaver!! January 30, 2013

By Momkat

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Awesome awesome book!! Not being able to sleep one night, I picked up my Kindle and immediately chose this book to read( Divine Guidance??) I could not put it down--It literally SPOKE TO ME!!! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with decisions, anxiety or just needs a jolt in their Faith. It is a must read for anyone in a 12 step program and trying to make decisions!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Inspring Read January 8, 2013

By SusieQ

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I truly enjoyed this book and have recommended it a few times now. Wonderful, quick read. The author has wondrful stories of lives she has known to go along with her points, really drives home the meaning and useful purpose of this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Live Free December 18, 2012

By SmallTownGirl

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

From start to finish, this is an incredibly well-written book. It inspires, gives hope and provides practical advice for living a life more full of joy and peace. I will be re-reading Live Free and recommending it to friends and family. Thank you, Kendra, for loving The Lord and following His call.

5.0 out of 5 stars A book of reflection. December 13, 2012

By Kat

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

We talk about the what-ifs, if onlys, and the like, but never choose to do
anything about it. In this book, the author has each chapter with choosing
to forgive, reflect, pray, joy, not to worry, to be content, and generosity.
Also she give examples of people in situations that they left in the hands
of God. Worth a read. This book makes you think about how you live your
life.

4.0 out of 5 stars If you live life hoping for better, this is for you December 10, 2012

By Rachelle Miller

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

While using a lot of interesting and poignant stories, Smiley discusses how we can actually waste a lot of our life living off of the regrets of the past. She gives some practical steps to overcoming this and living a life of joy. Essentially living a life that is set free from the circumstances of life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book November 18, 2012

By Amy Benson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent read excellent reminders. Suggest it for everyone loved it everyone should read it. Moving. Wise closed make a difference

More About the Author

Whimsical. Witty. Wise.
Those are three words that describe Kendra Smiley. And you could add one more, intentional. Kendra is intentional in all she does as a sought after author, speaker, and radio and TV host.Kendra Smiley ministers to women,educators, and parents nationally and internationally. Named the Illinois Mother of the Year in 2001, she hosts a daily radio show, Live Life Intentionally, heard on over 350 stations including the Moody, Northwestern, and New Life radio networks. She and her husband John, a retired USAFR pilot, have co-authored three parenting books. They have a weekly five-minute radio segment, Parenting Like a Pro and a television feature by the same name broadcast weekly on the Champaign, IL ABC affiliate. The Smiley's live on a farm in central Illinois. They are the parents of three married sons and have six granddaughters.
Whimsical. Witty. Wise. Intentional. Those four words describe Kendra, a woman who connects with other women.