I received a review copy of this book; all opinions expressed are mine.

Encouragement for an Exceptional Life (FaithWords) is the first book I’ve read by Victoria Osteen, and I enjoyed reading it so much! It is filled to overflowing with encouragement and a beautiful reminder of how exceptional you, yes YOU, really are. Even the introduction is filled with encouragement: When something is exceptional, it means that it is better than good; it is outstanding…. You were made by God to be exceptional. Scripture says you are God’s masterpiece, formed in His image, and created to do great things. You were wonderfully made, with a purpose and a destiny that is distinctly yours. God knew you before you were born, and He designed you to be you, unique and exceptional.

Osteen explains that we often lose sight of who God made us to be, and through her personal experiences, she has learned to incorporate practices into her life that keep her encouraged, empowered, inspired, and on track for all that God has for her—and she shares these helpful seven practices in this book. She also uses examples from the Bible—from the lives of David, Joshua, Abraham, and more—to illustrate the points she makes in her chapters.

Each chapter in this book is devoted to one of the seven practices, which are: Know That You Are Chosen; Set Your Eyes on the Promises; Align Yourself with God; Encourage Yourself; Travel Light; Love Well; and Power Up. Here are some encouraging excerpts from the book:

What we choose to focus on can make all the difference in our lives. To be exceptional means you are intentional with your attitude. You’re looking for what’s right in your life and being grateful for what you have. When we look for God’s goodness and set our eyes on His promises, our thoughts will shift from defeat to victory (p.19).

No matter how many mistakes you’ve made or where you find yourself today, it’s never too late to get back in line with God. He has a purpose and a destiny for you (p. 42).

Travel light. Put aside the worries and walk forward into each day expecting miracles, finding joy, and believing in God’s provision (p. 72).

When we speak encouragement to others, we not only breathe God’s love into them, but we also breathe God’s love into our own soul (pp. 81-82).

When you make God a priority and you take time to stay connected to Him, you will be empowered to overcome challenges, and He will give you His favor and direct your path even in the difficulties of life (p. 111).

The small size of this book (4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″) makes it easy to carry in your purse or tote so it’s handy whenever you have time to read it. Even if you are only able to read a few pages at a time, the encouragement that this easy-to-read book offers can make such a difference in your day!

So if you’re looking for a book that will uplift and inspire you, Encouragement for an Exceptional Life will do just that! Osteen’s teachings will motivate you to live encouraged, empowered, and intentional, and to not settle for anything less than God’s best for your life. You can trust that He has good things ahead for you. As Osteen writes, When we learn to look up…and keep our eyes on God and how He is making a way, we can move forward in faith and begin to live the exceptional life [He] has planned for us.

Sharing at Wonderful Wednesday, Inspire Me Monday, Hearth & Soul, Thursday Favorite Things.