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When God Makes Lemonade - True Stories that Amaze and Encourage - Guideposts
When God Makes Lemonade - True Stories that Amaze and Encourage - Guideposts
299 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2011
126 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 19, 2019
This book is encouraging, sweet, and touching. It can easily be put down and picked up at a later date without missing a beat since each chapter is its own short story. Loved it!
September 28, 2019
This is an inspirational book full of real, short stories that illuminate the power of faith, hope, and love.
May 2, 2013
When hard times strike, and they always do, it helps to share them with friends and family. Sometimes it provides wisdom when the answers we seek fail to come; sometimes it's a shoulder to cry on when grief and loss are too much for one pair of shoulders to bare the burden alone; other times it's to provide hope when the situation in front of us is simply too much for us to deal with. In the latest inspirational book that is slated to be part of an ongoing series, author Don Jacobson, is compiling those stories that show what happens When God Makes Lemonade from the lemons life deals us. These short stories written by real people teach us all and encourage us that even though we can't always see the good in our storms, God brings about life changing experiences so we might encourage and help others out along the way.
Don Jacobson begins the book with his own personal story of just how God walked with him when his life literally hung in the balance. Picking up his shotgun and taking a spare moment to venture off into the woods to try it out, Don was more than amazed when his gun malfunctioned and he ended up shooting himself. Failing to leave word behind to his wife of his intentions, his only companion was his dog, Big Boy. Not knowing how bad things really were, he heard the voice of God guiding him along the way. What happens next is something you'll have to pick up the book and read for yourself.
"The stories in When God Makes Lemonade are from everyday people who are surprised by unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour life circumstances. Why true stories? Because they give us hope, and in these difficult times, most of us don't need to be told to work harder - we're already working as hard as we can! What we need most is to be reminded that God is here working all things together for good.
So if you're struggling beneath the weight of unemployment, depression, broken relationships, an unexpected death, or any of life's other difficulties, don't give up!
Though the settings, names and outcomes are unique in each lemonade story, they all say the same thing - you're not alone!
Yes, stuff happens in life, but so does lemonade, and when it does, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot August day. May you find that kind of refreshment in the stories you read in this heartwarming book, and may God bless you with the courage you need to hold on." (Pg 18.)
I received When God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson compliments of B and B Media Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The best part about this book is that each story is unique and each one provides the reader an opportunity to walk in the shoes of each author and see what the long term result was. Too often we think that no one understands just what we're going through, but this book provides friendship in knowing we are not alone in our personal struggles. Sometimes it gives us perspective that others have it worse than what we are dealing with. The best part is the opportunity to share your own story on When God Makes Lemonade's website. Who knows maybe you're story will be published in the next book and the struggles you deal with now, will be used to help someone else who reads them find the light at the end of their own dark tunnel again. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!
Don Jacobson begins the book with his own personal story of just how God walked with him when his life literally hung in the balance. Picking up his shotgun and taking a spare moment to venture off into the woods to try it out, Don was more than amazed when his gun malfunctioned and he ended up shooting himself. Failing to leave word behind to his wife of his intentions, his only companion was his dog, Big Boy. Not knowing how bad things really were, he heard the voice of God guiding him along the way. What happens next is something you'll have to pick up the book and read for yourself.
"The stories in When God Makes Lemonade are from everyday people who are surprised by unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour life circumstances. Why true stories? Because they give us hope, and in these difficult times, most of us don't need to be told to work harder - we're already working as hard as we can! What we need most is to be reminded that God is here working all things together for good.
So if you're struggling beneath the weight of unemployment, depression, broken relationships, an unexpected death, or any of life's other difficulties, don't give up!
Though the settings, names and outcomes are unique in each lemonade story, they all say the same thing - you're not alone!
Yes, stuff happens in life, but so does lemonade, and when it does, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot August day. May you find that kind of refreshment in the stories you read in this heartwarming book, and may God bless you with the courage you need to hold on." (Pg 18.)
I received When God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson compliments of B and B Media Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The best part about this book is that each story is unique and each one provides the reader an opportunity to walk in the shoes of each author and see what the long term result was. Too often we think that no one understands just what we're going through, but this book provides friendship in knowing we are not alone in our personal struggles. Sometimes it gives us perspective that others have it worse than what we are dealing with. The best part is the opportunity to share your own story on When God Makes Lemonade's website. Who knows maybe you're story will be published in the next book and the struggles you deal with now, will be used to help someone else who reads them find the light at the end of their own dark tunnel again. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!
April 6, 2013
I love THIS book. I love the premise behind this book...and most importantly, one can't help but love all of the inspiration to be gleaned just by delving in to this great read. Don Jacobson does an amazing job of compiling real-life stories of struggle, fear, and even tragedy in order to encourage each of his readers with a message of hope, and the reassurance that not only is God in control, but He's most certainly always with us. I'll admit it, friends-receiving/enduring the lemons of life is never easy, but basking in the glow of that lemonade? It's a gift only He can bestow.
September 9, 2018
I received this book through my book club holiday book exchange. 2 months before my ‘mother’ figure had passed away so it was going to be a difficult Christmas. My mother and I had loved a book I had previously read called ‘when God winks’ and often referenced that saying. This book, very similarly reminds us that things happen for a reason and there is no such thing as coincidence.
I spread out the reading of this book which at sometimes made it seem long and repetitive but glad I finished!
I hope to pass it on to someone that also finds themselves at a difficult moment in their life.
I spread out the reading of this book which at sometimes made it seem long and repetitive but glad I finished!
I hope to pass it on to someone that also finds themselves at a difficult moment in their life.
November 8, 2011
I loved this book! It had so many sweet moments that had me in tears if joys, but equally as many moments that had me crying from feeling the pain of the people in the stories. One thing I enjoyed about this book was that it was arranged a lot like a Chicken Soup book, but the author wold add his thoughts in after a few of the stories. This book came at the perfect time in my life, when I needed some inspiration that God would make things right. This book is worth it to take the time and read!
May 23, 2021
This is the kind of book to keep in the bathroom, on your coffee table, or next to your bed...where you can pick it up when you have a few minutes to spare. With nearly one hundred entries, you'll end up smiling, chuckling, or racing to the end to see how the story will end. No matter your age, your interests, or your occupation these miniature tales will give you pause. If you doubt their veracity, you can find the authors' names at the end of the book.
Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE. www.HopeIrvinMarston.com
Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE. www.HopeIrvinMarston.com
October 6, 2018
This is a book, I read and pick up again and again. When I need inspiration or things getting me down, picking this book up and reading a story or two, gets me back on track. For me, this wasn't a book to read cover to cover at one time. This book was a book to be read slowly, savored, let it sink in kind of book and that has been what I have done. It is and I think always will be a go-to book when I just need a little boost or some inspiration.
August 22, 2019
I struggled with how to rate this book. For the purpose this book, I would have rated much higher. It is a collection of "feel good" stories to encourage and show the glimmer of light in all circumstances. It reminded me a lot of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Unfortunately I didn't do my research and bought the book solely on title alone, so although it was well done, it wasn't what I was looking for which is why the 3 stars of only "liked it".
September 3, 2020
Good news, stories of life events that were bad turned to the good. My personal rating for this book (my rating for me only) is a 2/5. It gains a star because it tries to give good news, which is not nothing in this world. Some of the stories were good. Some were unintentionally bad. As in, this is not lemonade! Anyway, I was grateful they tried. But I don't think I am its intended audience.
March 18, 2021
Just Wow!
All I can say is wow! I have had this book for a while, and for whatever reason, decided to read it a few nights ago, and I am so glad I did. Once I started, it was hard to put down. I was not expecting the stories I had read to be so powerful, encouraging and engaging. It was awesome to see God moving so powerfully in ordinary every day circumstances, and in some very traumatic ones as well. Read this book, you won't be disappointed. Every story is a gem.
All I can say is wow! I have had this book for a while, and for whatever reason, decided to read it a few nights ago, and I am so glad I did. Once I started, it was hard to put down. I was not expecting the stories I had read to be so powerful, encouraging and engaging. It was awesome to see God moving so powerfully in ordinary every day circumstances, and in some very traumatic ones as well. Read this book, you won't be disappointed. Every story is a gem.
August 19, 2018
Heart-warming collection of true and very short stories about those moments in life that end up looking a lot better later on in the rear-view mirror. This book will help you remember a couple of your own lemonade moments while lending some perspective about God's ability to shape our lives so that we can impact others.
July 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It has a compilation of real life stories about people who find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances who trust in God and have their "lemon" situations turned into "lemonade".
November 15, 2017
Making me look more at why I am where I am at this point in my life. As the people who have shared their trials and blessings in this book. I am wondering if I am blind and just need to look deeper at what my blessings are and get at it. Definitely encouraging book.
November 2, 2019
I read two books previously by Don Jacobson and was wowed by them. So, I had to get this one. When God makes Lemonade is a bit different from the others but is a heart warming reminder of how God is able to bring good out of challenging or negative circumstances.
May 8, 2020
I found this book as a heartwarming collection of everyday kind of people who chose to see the sweetness in the midst of unexpected sour events.
Life often has its own set of unexpected events, this book taught me to choose to see light in these troubled moments.
Life often has its own set of unexpected events, this book taught me to choose to see light in these troubled moments.
May 23, 2020
I took my time reading this anthology because I wanted to absorb each experience and drink it slowly as I would sip a glass of frosty lemonade on a hot afternoon. I found it uplifting, just as I had hoped.
June 13, 2023
Wide array of stories that encapsulates different life experiences, some of which I could or could not relate to , but ultimately led me towards the direction of questioning and reflecting how God “made lemonade” through different chapters of my life.
July 18, 2017
Had some really good short stories that were inspirational and also God-filled. Good read. These kind of books always take me longer because they are a collection of stories.
July 9, 2018
Listened to this book on audible. Reminded me of chicken soup for the soul books. I enjoyed listening to the stories on the way to work. Quick little story each morning.
October 30, 2018
An excellent read. However make sure you have a box of tissues at hand, if you have a heart you will need them. Helps you understand God's love and concern for tHis people.
November 5, 2018
Good stories.
Really enjoyed all of the stories that really did encourage me.I also shared them with others at church. Hope to read more similar books.
Really enjoyed all of the stories that really did encourage me.I also shared them with others at church. Hope to read more similar books.
January 29, 2019
Wonderful book of stories of God at work in everyday lives. Very inspiring!
June 20, 2019
It's so good when you're hurting and need that something else when you are done praying for the day. It helps get past the uncomfortable stillness in my home.
May 29, 2021
Great short stories
Read
December 23, 2021DNF
January 15, 2025
This was a good morning read - a few stories to wake up and be optimistic about the day.
July 16, 2013
About The Book: In When God Makes Lemonade, author Don Jacobson has collected real-life stories from around the world that show everyday folks discovering unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances. Some are funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will bring tears of amazement. But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope. There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day. It's true that in life "stuff" happens, but as you'll see in these stories, lemonade happens too!
About The Author: Living Lemonade Story(in his own words).Don and Brenda"Hi, I’m Don Jacobson, and I’m a walking, talking lemonade story. Back in 1980, I was a happily married twenty-four-year-old who enjoyed a physically demanding job in commercial construction. I knew my future was bright, and I knew what it would take to get there: hard work, planning, and dedication. Then, one winter night, a shooting accident changed everything. I nearly died as I lay for hours beneath a tree, but miracle after miracle happened to keep me alive—a story you can read in full in God Makes Lemonade. I spent nine agonizing days in critical condition, and nearly a month in the hospital. When I left, things looked bleak, and I could no longer physically provide for my family. It took a while for God to turn that lemon into lemonade, but in the end it was wonderfully sweet. I began to work in Christian publishing, and the shape of my life changed forever. Now, 25 years later, I see that not being able to work with my hands forced me to work with my head and heart, and both my family and my career became better than I could ever have imagined. My wife, Brenda, and I know that the hardships of life have molded our characters and turned us into people we would never have been apart from the pain. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the hardest times of my life for anything, because they led me toward something better . . . something God had planned all along. When I share my lemonade story with friends, two amazing things happen. My story inspires others and gives them hope. Then, almost without fail, my friends excitedly tell me their lemonade story, and I’m filled with inspiration and hope in return. Recently it hit me: we all have lemonade stories—so what would happen if we could share them with the people around the world who need them most? That’s the dream of the God Makes Lemonade series: to publish true stories to encourage people in sour circumstances that God is at work making lemonade. What’s your story?"
My Thoughts On The Book: We all have a lemonade story or two tucked back in our memories. I am no exception. This book touched every fiber of my being. Each story was different and although they may not have all touched me directly, as a paster's wife they all provided some nugget I could keep with me for future reference. Each dramatic story is woven together in this tight night book and very encouraging. It is the kind of book you can read in one sitting (if you have enough kleenex on hand), or read a few at each sitting. We all need hope in our lives and this book is exactly what the doctor ordered. Each story is filled with hope and grace....and love. It was a blessing to read this book and I hope my readers will want to read it too. It is captivating and filled with gifts just for the reader. Life does give us lemons sometimes but God can take those hardships and make them into something better....Lemonade.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.
About The Author: Living Lemonade Story(in his own words).Don and Brenda"Hi, I’m Don Jacobson, and I’m a walking, talking lemonade story. Back in 1980, I was a happily married twenty-four-year-old who enjoyed a physically demanding job in commercial construction. I knew my future was bright, and I knew what it would take to get there: hard work, planning, and dedication. Then, one winter night, a shooting accident changed everything. I nearly died as I lay for hours beneath a tree, but miracle after miracle happened to keep me alive—a story you can read in full in God Makes Lemonade. I spent nine agonizing days in critical condition, and nearly a month in the hospital. When I left, things looked bleak, and I could no longer physically provide for my family. It took a while for God to turn that lemon into lemonade, but in the end it was wonderfully sweet. I began to work in Christian publishing, and the shape of my life changed forever. Now, 25 years later, I see that not being able to work with my hands forced me to work with my head and heart, and both my family and my career became better than I could ever have imagined. My wife, Brenda, and I know that the hardships of life have molded our characters and turned us into people we would never have been apart from the pain. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the hardest times of my life for anything, because they led me toward something better . . . something God had planned all along. When I share my lemonade story with friends, two amazing things happen. My story inspires others and gives them hope. Then, almost without fail, my friends excitedly tell me their lemonade story, and I’m filled with inspiration and hope in return. Recently it hit me: we all have lemonade stories—so what would happen if we could share them with the people around the world who need them most? That’s the dream of the God Makes Lemonade series: to publish true stories to encourage people in sour circumstances that God is at work making lemonade. What’s your story?"
My Thoughts On The Book: We all have a lemonade story or two tucked back in our memories. I am no exception. This book touched every fiber of my being. Each story was different and although they may not have all touched me directly, as a paster's wife they all provided some nugget I could keep with me for future reference. Each dramatic story is woven together in this tight night book and very encouraging. It is the kind of book you can read in one sitting (if you have enough kleenex on hand), or read a few at each sitting. We all need hope in our lives and this book is exactly what the doctor ordered. Each story is filled with hope and grace....and love. It was a blessing to read this book and I hope my readers will want to read it too. It is captivating and filled with gifts just for the reader. Life does give us lemons sometimes but God can take those hardships and make them into something better....Lemonade.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.
October 27, 2011
I bet you could use a little good news right about now. We have just the book for you! In God Makes Lemonade™ you'll read stories from everyday folks
who discover unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances.
Some of these real-life stories are laugh-out-loud funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will have you reaching for a tissue. We sure did!
But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope.
There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships-truly sour circumstances we wouldn't wish on anyone. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day.
About Don Jacobson
Don Jacobson
Don Jacobson's twenty-five years in publishing included serving as the president and owner of Multnomah Publishers, where he oversaw the production of more than 1000 titles, including the five-million-plus-selling series Stories for the Heart. He's had the pleasure of working with such best-selling authors as Randy Alcorn, Joni Eareckson Tada, Henry Blackaby, Robin Jones Gunn, Karen Kingsbury, Andy Stanley, and Bruce Wilkinson. Don's wife, Brenda, has been mentoring mothers for more than a decade.
Jacobson and his wife are passionate about helping single mothers and their children, so the royalties from God Makes Lemonade will benefit these unsung heroes through the LemonAid Foundation.
My Review:
Being a huge lover of Chicken Soup for the Soul books when they first came out, I've loved sharing peoples stories of love, compassion, joy, happiness and even the occasional sad story. I think its what unites us with one another as humans. We can empathize with what someone had to endure and we can place ourselves in that situation and share in that emotional connection.
In the book, God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson, you will once more gain a beautiful collection of stories that will make you laugh, smile and yes, grab that box of tissues for some sweet tears of both sadness and joy! There is virtually a story in here for everyone from parents to singles; to strangers and families, you are guaranteed to find something in here to connect to. I loved this collection and have been sharing them with my family over dinner as a way to create a dinner topic conversation, to see where our thoughts are and how we would handle a situation. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review.
The best part of purchasing a copy of this book is that the author Don Jacobson an dhis wife are passionate about helping single mothers and their children, so the royalties from God Makes Lemonade will benefit these unsung heroes through the LemonAid Foundation.
who discover unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances.
Some of these real-life stories are laugh-out-loud funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will have you reaching for a tissue. We sure did!
But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope.
There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships-truly sour circumstances we wouldn't wish on anyone. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day.
About Don Jacobson
Don Jacobson
Don Jacobson's twenty-five years in publishing included serving as the president and owner of Multnomah Publishers, where he oversaw the production of more than 1000 titles, including the five-million-plus-selling series Stories for the Heart. He's had the pleasure of working with such best-selling authors as Randy Alcorn, Joni Eareckson Tada, Henry Blackaby, Robin Jones Gunn, Karen Kingsbury, Andy Stanley, and Bruce Wilkinson. Don's wife, Brenda, has been mentoring mothers for more than a decade.
Jacobson and his wife are passionate about helping single mothers and their children, so the royalties from God Makes Lemonade will benefit these unsung heroes through the LemonAid Foundation.
My Review:
Being a huge lover of Chicken Soup for the Soul books when they first came out, I've loved sharing peoples stories of love, compassion, joy, happiness and even the occasional sad story. I think its what unites us with one another as humans. We can empathize with what someone had to endure and we can place ourselves in that situation and share in that emotional connection.
In the book, God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson, you will once more gain a beautiful collection of stories that will make you laugh, smile and yes, grab that box of tissues for some sweet tears of both sadness and joy! There is virtually a story in here for everyone from parents to singles; to strangers and families, you are guaranteed to find something in here to connect to. I loved this collection and have been sharing them with my family over dinner as a way to create a dinner topic conversation, to see where our thoughts are and how we would handle a situation. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review.
The best part of purchasing a copy of this book is that the author Don Jacobson an dhis wife are passionate about helping single mothers and their children, so the royalties from God Makes Lemonade will benefit these unsung heroes through the LemonAid Foundation.
April 17, 2013
This is a collection of true stories about people who have experienced some very trying situations. The premise of the book is that despite the difficulty, the person or persons involved in the different stories were able to get something good out of the bad situation–that God made a sweet drink of lemonade out of the sour circumstances they lived through.
Some of these stories are like that. Individuals survived a difficult time period, but ultimately when looking back through the perspective of time, a really good thing came out of the trying circumstances. The people involved had a nice sweet drink of lemonade in the end, or at least, eventually. But to be honest, some of these stories are really hard to read, and the supposed “good outcome” is a stretch. In other words, sometimes that drink of lemonade is pretty sour in the end.
I understand that real life isn’t always neat and pretty. But the author states on the front cover of the book that the stories inside will “amaze and encourage.” To be honest, I did not feel encouraged by many of these stories. Instead I felt pretty glum and downcast by some of them. I commend the men and women in the more difficult stories for still seeing lemonade in the end. I do admire the people for holding onto their faith in God despite some heart rendering situations.
At the end, Don Jacobson states he wants to write more of these type of books. He also gives his contact information for anyone who would like to contribute a true story.
The author promises the accounts in this book will be encouraging. Although he tells many incredible stories, the bottom line is many of these narratives leave you feeling sad and frustrated. Given the book fails on its promise to encourage, I can only give it 3 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2013/0...
Author’s website, contact him with a story: GodMakesLemonade.com
Facebook: facebook.com/godmakeslemonade
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LemonadeHappens
Some of these stories are like that. Individuals survived a difficult time period, but ultimately when looking back through the perspective of time, a really good thing came out of the trying circumstances. The people involved had a nice sweet drink of lemonade in the end, or at least, eventually. But to be honest, some of these stories are really hard to read, and the supposed “good outcome” is a stretch. In other words, sometimes that drink of lemonade is pretty sour in the end.
I understand that real life isn’t always neat and pretty. But the author states on the front cover of the book that the stories inside will “amaze and encourage.” To be honest, I did not feel encouraged by many of these stories. Instead I felt pretty glum and downcast by some of them. I commend the men and women in the more difficult stories for still seeing lemonade in the end. I do admire the people for holding onto their faith in God despite some heart rendering situations.
At the end, Don Jacobson states he wants to write more of these type of books. He also gives his contact information for anyone who would like to contribute a true story.
The author promises the accounts in this book will be encouraging. Although he tells many incredible stories, the bottom line is many of these narratives leave you feeling sad and frustrated. Given the book fails on its promise to encourage, I can only give it 3 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
My blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2013/0...
Author’s website, contact him with a story: GodMakesLemonade.com
Facebook: facebook.com/godmakeslemonade
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LemonadeHappens
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews