Showing posts with label Og Mandino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Og Mandino. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Books That Influenced My Life

 


The Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is hosted by Long and Short Reviews. They offer this blog hop as a weekly prompt to help you gain new friends and visitors. You don't have to participate every week, but if you decide to post and join the blog hop for a week, Long and Short Reviews asks that you share your link on their weekly post on their website (it will be the top post on the home page each Wednesday morning). The link list remains open for new links for 48 hours. Visit the other bloggers participating to see what they discuss that week. Comments are appreciated.  

Wednesday has snuck in. How did that happen so quickly?

This week, we're discussing books that have had a profound influence on our lives. I will share three.


The Greatest Miracle in the World was the first book by Og Mandino that I ever read. It inspires. It encourages. It is proof that a book doesn't have to be packed with information to make a difference. I've read "The God Memorandum" from this book many times in my life. It reminds me that I am God's greatest creation. It encourages me to be myself. And it instructs me to wisely use my power of choice. 


Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World by Kathi Macias is a moving little book that combines powerful stories with Scripture readings and discussion questions. It's insightful, thought-provoking, and a personal call to discipleship. 


The Holy Bible has taught me history and prophecy. It has taught me about loving God, loving others, and loving myself. The Bible has taught me about faith, humility, forgiveness, and salvation. It reminds me that when the world appears to be going to hell in a handbasket, God still has a plan.

That last one is how I am still able to get up in the morning on some of my darkest days. When the grief or the pain or the frustration is overwhelming, I can open the Bible and find wisdom and comfort there. It is a reminder that when I feel I am not enough, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. It reveals to me that the future is written, and it is one of a new heaven, and a new earth, and that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." ~ Revelation 21:4

This is what was on my heart this morning as I put together this post. May you be blessed as you go about your day. 

Friday, June 3, 2022

Book Review: The Greatest Salesman in the World, Part 2: The End of the Story by Og Mandino

 

Here is the end of the story for Hafid, the man who was known to all as "the great salesman." 

Successful businessman Hafid, now retired, has isolated himself from the world after the death of his wife, with only his friend Erasmus for companionship. However, a meeting with a stranger encourages him to embark upon a new career. Unsure of his success in the new career, Hafid connects with his past, which changes his life forever. 

The Greatest Salesman in the World, Part 2: The End of the Story by Og Mandino brings the reader through the rest of Hafid's story. Though it has been decades since I read the first book, it was like seeing an old friend again. As this story unfolded, I could remember the first book so well. It also features the vows of success that became so popular with the first book. If you think of the importance of repeating daily affirmations, then reading The Greatest Salesman in the World and The Greatest Salesman in the World, Part 2: The End of the Story one after the other, will be helpful. 

What I have always loved about Mandino's books is how he packs such a powerful message into so few pages. He focuses on reaching the reader, not in displaying his writing talents...though they are many. This is a moving, life-changing story. I came to expect nothing less from him while he was alive. His legacy lives on, and the messages he shares are just important today as they were when first written. That's why I share his books with my leadership team.

Publisher: ‎ Bantam; Reissue edition (April 1, 1989)
Language: ‎ English
Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 144 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0553276999
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0553276992

I purchased a copy of this book to add to my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5...Books to Inspire/Motivate

 



Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. For a list of December topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to the weekly post.

This week is a Top 5 Tuesday freebie. I didn't even know there was such a thing. Since we are heading into the new year, I figured I would share books to inspire/motivate you. It is the time for goal setting and resolutions. :) 


If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments.



Millions of readers have acquired the secrets of success through The Magic of Thinking Big. Achieve everything you always wanted: financial security, power and influence, the ideal job, satisfying relationships, and a rewarding, happy life.

Set your goals high...then exceed them!

Millions of people throughout the world have improved their lives using The Magic of Thinking Big. Dr. David J. Schwartz, long regarded as one of the foremost experts on motivation, will help you sell better, manage better, earn more money, and—most important of all—find greater happiness and peace of mind.

The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. He proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction—but you do need to learn and understand the habit of thinking and behaving in ways that will get you there. This book gives you those secrets! 

 Believe you can succeed and you will:

-Cure yourself of the fear of failure
-Think and dream creatively
-You are what you think you are
-Make your attitudes your allies
-Learn how to think positively
-Turn defeat into victory
-Use goals to help you grow
-Think like a leader


One of the best books I've ever read. Love every book by Og Mandino.


The Greatest Salesman in the World is a book that serves as a guide to a philosophy of salesmanship, and success, telling the story of Hafid, a poor camel boy who achieves a life of abundance. If Mandino's suggested reading structure is followed, it would take about 10 months to read the book.

What you are today is not important... for in this runaway bestseller you will learn how to change your life by applying the secrets you are about to discover in the ancient scrolls.




Are You A Human Ostrich?

Do you stick your head in the sand at the thought of dealing with a task that seems boring, complicated, or unpleasant? Do you pay your bills late because the last time you balanced your checkbook was more than six months ago? While working on a task do you keep thinking you should be dealing with a different task?

Is your living space messy and your life unorganized?
Do you clean up only when family or friends will be visiting-only to let your place fall back into untidiness after they've gone?
After you've cleaned for visitors, do you tell yourself "it doesn't count!" because you weren't doing it for yourself?
Have you stopped having visitors over because you're ashamed of your mess?
Do you worry you'll feel embarrassed if the landlord, a plumber, or a repairperson needed to visit your place?
Do you constantly compare yourself to people who seem to "have it together?"
Does your habitual procrastination leave you feeling depressed and anxious?
Do you know the 25 characteristics and behaviors of the human ostrich?
Are you concerned that your child or someone you care deeply about is becoming a habitual procrastinator?

The Solution To Your Habitual Procrastination Is Here!

Learn the golden rules of overcoming procrastination. Stop falling victim to the downward cycle of procrastination and depression. Stop feeling overwhelmed and immobilized with fear by learning how to effectively cope with your tasks and responsibilities. Become a "do"-er by learning easy to use and highly effective new tool - The J.O.T. Method™.



For out-starting upstarts of all ages, here is a wonderfully wise and blessedly brief graduation speech from the one and only Dr. Seuss. In his inimitable, humorous verse and pictures, he addresses the Great Balancing Act (life itself, and the ups and downs it presents) while encouraging us to find the success that lies within us. 

 And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

A modern classic, Oh, the Places You'll Go! was first published one year before Dr. Seuss's death at the age of eighty-seven. In a mere fifty-six pages, Dr, Seuss managed to impart a lifetime of wisdom. It is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the maze of life, be they nursery school grads or newly-minted PhD's. Everyone will find it inspired good fun.

I included that last one because we should all tap into that young person inside us who dreamed big and believed we were invincible. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Books I Read Before I Was A Blogger

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

I've been an avid reader my entire life, so it should come as no surprise that I have a ton of books I read before I began blogging in 2006. Here is my list of the Top Ten Favorite Books I Read Before I Was A Blogger.



In order going row to row starting at top left:


  • The Stand by Stephen King
  • The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
  • Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins
  • Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
  • Glorious Appearing by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins
  • Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
  • Joshua, A Parable for Today by Joseph F. Girzone
  • Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara
  • Battle Cry of Freedom by James M. McPherson
  • Lincoln by David Herbert Donald