LESSONS I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE- A Cautionary Tale by Tonya D. Floyd

 

WOW! I don’t know if this book confirms what I already knew or is preparing me for what I am getting ready to do. My ex-husband is trying to sell our “marital home” with all of it’s  pre-purchase problems and I am in the process of renovating a fixer-upper. LESSONS I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE- A CAUTIONARY TALE by Tonya D Floyd is a must read for ANYONE who owns a home, is getting ready to purchase a home, get insurance, has insurance. Is a renter with insurance or, you are making a major purchase with or without insurance. 

DISCLAIMER: Tonya D. Floyd is my “forever” niece and I purchased this book because she wrote it. She has many books but this was the one I was “lead” to get and I had the funds to purchase. But, just because she is family does not mean I will not give an honest review. Generally speaking, when friends ask me to review their books and I take the time to read it then I will post the review on my blog, the cost for my time, but I will not post it on Social Media. Twice in the 10 plus years I have been reviewing books have I not posted a review on Amazon because it was that bad, one of the two I did not post on my blog, she was a good friend and a member of the church I attended; both books were trashed upon completion.  LESSON’S I LEARNED FROM THE FIRE will not be trashed.

Half way through this 30 page booklet, I started “hating” it! BECAUSE it was information I needed to know and I hate being a grown-up. Each of the nine lessons presented in this book I needed to know or be reminded of. Her story, Tonya D Floyd’s, life  lessons, learned the hard way, reinforce the importance of understanding EVERY document you sign. No one plans an accident and some accidents can be avoided, if you take the right steps.We think of insurance as a cushion, but there are unknown variables.  Not knowing, not understanding is costly! 

In addition to rereading the book, and marking it up as I like to do, I plan on purchasing at least 3 copies for gifts for 3 individuals who I know are planning to purchase a home. Truth is I don’t hate-hate the book, I really love and appreciate it, I just don’t like being a grown up. 

I recommend you purchase the book, even if all you have is renters insurance. That fine print will bite you if you need it and discover to late your claims don’t qualify. Ask people who live in disaster areas.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

I knew I wanted to, called to, write since about 1996, my first book “The Truth About Vashtai” was published 10 years ago the same the time I started blogging. I briefly, a few years, had a YouTube channel but  I knew that it was not my “thing”. I am a wordy person but I hate editing it was challenging to edit a video from 30 minutes to 15 minutes, the attention span of most viewers; editing a written article from 500 plus words to 250 is much easier. I have struggled with sharing the words of my heart for the past 10 years to the extent of doing neither, writing or videos, like Jeremiah I just could not be quiet. 

Jeremiah 20:9 (KJV)
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with  forbearing, and I could not stay. 

I made the decision to live by faith first. I am a person who follows Jesus  as it is revealed in Scripture.. I cannot and will not separate my faith from how I live be it: political, crafting, family, daily living, or Bible understanding; nor will I validate lifestyles that are against Good’s will. Thus I move forward in my writing understanding that I will not get a record number of subscribers.  

Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

In a blogpost dated November 9, 2024 “MY PARADIGMS SHIFT” I cam out of my worldly limitations and embraced my godly destination.  I have a lot of interest: sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, making soap, making candles and even baking. I have a lot of opinions regarding politics, church life and being a woman.

I have tried to limit the conversations; to separate the conversations, by posting certain topics on specific days and using different blog addresses, none of these plans worked with me.I want to blog about making stuff.

This post, typed on July 5, 2025 and intended to be post on all 3 blog sites marks my pivot into what I believe is the next phase of my writing journey. Despite a part of me wanting to create a YouTube channel I will resist the urge focusing on my writing.  In 1996 God called me to write, in 2024 I realized I have always wanted to be a homemaker.

Habakkuk 2:2-4 (KJV)
2  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4  Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

RACISM IN AMERICA WILL DECREASE WHEN WE LEARN THE TRUTH

 The truth is everywhere and you really don't need a book to know it. People should stop listening to those who profit from the lies of "isms" and remember the real history of the world.  - Marsha L Floyd

HISTORY IN BLACK- learning about slavery in America

 

Yes, slavery is bad, harsh and often cruel, yet, the enslaved survived. As I dive into my family history and discover the life  my ancestors lived I appreciate what they endured. It is because I look back and learn how they survived despite the obstacles I am determined to live because of my opportunities. 
The historical reenactments are created so that we will not forget. Those who want to tear down, paint over or ignore the past are destined to repeat history. 
"Take note of the blessings you are given." Brenda Parker

COLOSSSIANS  4:1 (KJV) 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 

As i watched this reenactment, I think about how blessed I am. The song: I Wont Complain by Reverend Paul Jones came to mind. To many people complain about what they don't have compared to what other people have; this is what it means to covet. 
A thought: we were enslaved because the trive our ancestors were a part of lost the battle and became slaves; the defeated tribe was sold; slaves owned by one tribe was sold to the highest bidder.  Though our ancestors worshipped gods we learned of the one True God; the war did not free us; Jesus set us free. 

                                  written by Marsha L Floyd

Lyrics: I WON'T COMPLAIN

'Ive had some good days

I've had some hills to climb

I've had some weary days

And some sleepless nights

But when I look around

And I think things over

All of my good days

Outweigh my bad days

I won't complain

Sometimes the clouds are low

I can hardly see the road

I ask a question, Lord

Lord, why so much pain?

But he knows what's best for me

Although my weary eyes

They can't see

So I'll just say thank you Lord

I won't complain

The Lord

Has been so good to me

He's been good to me

More than this old world

Or you could ever be

He's been so good

To me

He dried all of my tears away

Turned my midnights into day

So I'll just say thank you Lord

I've been lied on

But thank you Lord

I've been talked about

But thank you Lord

I've been misunderstood

But thank you Lord

You might be sick

Body reeking with pain

But thank you Lord

The bills are due

Don't know where

The money coming from

But thank you Lord, Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord

I want

I want to thank God

God, God, God

Has been so good to me

He's been good to me

More than this old world

Or you could ever be

He's been so good

He's been so good

He's been so good

So good, So good, So good, So good

To me

He dried all of my tears away

Turned my midnight into day

FAITH, FAMILY & TRADITION- family of 10 does it well

 I came across this YouTube channel and was mesmerized by it's content. The level of cohesiveness, respect and productivity I see is refreshing. This is an excellent example of a Christian family that happens to to include two cultures.

These two videos: #1 Visiting a college campus - the entire family of 10! Video #2 Celebrating the Korean New Year ( I really loved this one). 💓💓💓

DON'T SETTLE FOR SAFE by Sarah Jakes Roberts

I was surprised to discover that I liked  “DON’T SETTLE FOR SAFE” by Sarah Jakes Roberts beginning with the introduction. Yes, I had prejudged her as someone using the ‘Jakes’ name to make a few dollars- if this is your opinion STOP!

DON’T SETTLE FOR SAFE is a book of encouragement to all people but in particular young women (dare I say  of color?) who have made a few wrong turns in their lives and have decided not to put their past dreams in a box.

Like many of us Mrs Roberts is a member of the been there done that club except she was the daughter of a very well known Pastor.. It could not have been easy being the daughter of the internationally known Bishop T. D. Jakes daughter and pregnant at 14. Imagine how the tongues wagged when she was married at 19 and divorced with two children at 23! The safe route for her would be to live under her father’s love and grace and keep quiet but she is speaking up and out. Now married to a Pastor the two have six children between them and her choices have become the basis of her words of encouragement.

 “Nothing has happened to you that God can’t use to restore you.”  (page 3)

In DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS Sarah Jakes Roberts keeps it real, keeps it positive so that the reader will walk away confident. Well worth the read. ---written by Marsha L F Randolph



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH by Marsha L F Randolph

This ebook is available via SMASHWORDS in all formats. 

Sometimes a person can feel like he or she is the only one in the room who cannot seem to make things happen. I wrote MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH because I looked back on my life one day and realized I made it.
I don’t have a Masters, Bachelors or even Associates degree like many people I have a PhD in life. I survived because when I was down I looked up. There were days when I did not want to go on so I prayed. There were movements when the words “I quit” were on the tip of my tongue but I just said “Praise God” instead.
MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH is what I did and what I do. This book examines four ideas regarding personal growth and development: Perspective, Faith, Forgive and Purpose. As a Bible Teacher I don’t believe any lesson is etched in stone but should be adapted, within the boundaries of Scripture, to personal goals.
This is a revised edition originally published under the pseudonym M L Floyd. As I revised  MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH I was encouraged, we are always going through something. Read this ebook to help determine if you are indeed on the right path.

A note about this review: Yes, I reviewed my own book, I have chosen not to pay for reviewers who pretend to be a non-payed or unbiased reader. Most people who like books will recommend them to friends but not post a review. I write from experience and study and I share what I know with my pen.  FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST THIS BOOK IS FREE.

COMPASS: The Study Bible for Navigating Your LIfe

AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 4, 2014

Yes; another Bible! You will never hear me say there are to many Bibles to choose from however to a novice it really can be mind boggling thus I approached this review with two question: 1) Why should anyone read Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life? 2) Who should read Thomas Nelson’s newest study Bible?

If the book of Job discusses the journey of one going through a difficult time then the book of Lamentations takes that experience up a notch. How does COMPASS treat this book? It was easy for me to choose to review this book of the Bible since I have just completed studying this book and it is one of the most difficult books for me to read, I love the book of Job.

In reading the introduction to the book of Lamentations I found the commentary agreeable in terms of its’ contextual historical perspective. The acknowledgment of who may have been the books author serves as an excellent bridge to an excellent paragraph as to how the reader can apply the words in this book to his or her life. Footnote: this is the same introductory commentary found in  The Voice Bible .

Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life is the study compliment to the Voice Bible translation, which I love, at first I thought the Bibles were identical however I was pleased to discover the differences which make this new Bible a great tool for study.365 Days through the Whole bible; Maps as well as an Index to in-Text Maps.

I like the Voice translation of the Bible, which as I mentioned the Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life is. If you are looking for a Bible to read from Genesis to Revelation for the very first time or because this is something you do every year this is a good choice. Why should you read Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life because it is a great study tool. Who should read Compass anyone who wants to gain understanding of God’s Word.

There were two things I did not like about my copy of this book, neither of which had to do with content. 1) I have had Bibles printed on similar type paper and discovered it tears easily. 2) Because my vision is no longer 20/20 I would have preferred a bigger font. I suspect the quality of the paper and the size of the font were decisions made in order to cover the cost of production, though understandable it is something that I consider when purchasing Bibles.

I understand how difficult it is for anyone to chose a Bible, particularly the first one. This Bible is well worth the purchase and so I do recommend it only if you intend on reading it.I received a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that my review would be fair and honest.

My Questions From The Book of Luke by M L Floyd

     It is a tough habit to break if you are accustomed to having someone tell you how to think. Most Bible studies assign a passage to read, a question to be answered and then the correct answer.  Not so with “MYQUESTIONS FROM THE BOOK OF LUKE” by M L Floyd

MY QUESTIONSFROM THE BOOK OF LUKE is exactly what the titles suggest a series of questions that were written  to challenge the readers traditional way of reading the Bible. 

For example: In Luke chapter 15 there is the story often entitled “The Prodigal Son”  M L Floyd directs the attention from the son to the father  when she ask:

"Do you believe God will meet you where you are?"

This question is followed by the verse Luke: 15:20 using the Expanded Bible.  Which includes a commentary within its’ text “[C-an undignified act for a family patriarch; evidence of his unrestrained love]”

Question, Bible Verse(s) and then a statement to Contemplate is the format for  this short eBook. In the above example the statement to contemplate is as follows:

"See above commentary: “an undignified act for a family patriarch; evidence of his unrestrained love”"

There is no right or wrong answer, the book is just a guide created to help  the reader discover Biblical truths. In not limiting herself to one particular Bible the reader engages in a personal Bible Study which will develop his or her own understanding.

This book is available via Smashwords in eBook format.

Related articles

• My New Book: 220 Days in Luke
• Never too young to: read your bible
• Who defines you?
• A Study Guide - "How to study the Bible" - Example

WOUNDED BY GOD'S PEOPLE by Anne Graham Lutz

Sometimes the truth hurts and the truth is that Christians often hurt Christians. “Wounded by God's People: Discovering How God's Love Heals Our Hearts ” written by Anne Graham Lotz is an excellent lesson in how those of us who have been the victim of Christian opinion can move on while defining how Christians hurt other Christians.

One of my many ‘soap box’ issues is the judgmental nature of many Christians who believe they are the experts as to how a Christian should behave but think they should use Social Media to spread their opinions to as many people as possible. It does not occur to these individuals that their words cause more harm than good. In "Wounded by God's People: Discovering How God's Love Heals Our Hearts ” the author uses biblical examples of how people inadvertently hurt others.  

Using the story of Hagar as a focal point Mrs. Lotz is able to share her own memories of hurts caused by religious individuals. Daughter of  Reverend Billy Graham it is surprising to think that she and her husband were voted out of a church in which they had been associated with for more than 15 years. Like Hagar we can be placed in circumstances beyond our control subjected to the pain of rejection inflicted by religious leaders.  

Most people do not believe they are hurting others which is why this book is important for all believers. Like the members of the church in which Anne Graham Lotz and her husband attended, they believed they were doing the right thing.

I recommend “Wounded by God's People: Discovering How God's Love Heals Our Hearts ” it is a book worth purchasing and sharing.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a review.s