The Peter Potential: Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live

by Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler

Have you ever wondered if God has greater things in store for you? The Bible is clear that though Peter saw himself as only a fisherman, the Lord saw him as a fisher of men, a leader among men, the one in whose hands He would place the keys of His kingdom. Jesus extended invitations to help Peter grow, change, and discover the life he was meant to live. This full-color gift book is profound in its simplicity as the authors take the reader through the invitations the Lord extended to Peter. Journey with Peter and the Savior as you begin to understand the potential the Lord sees in you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Inspirational, Church, Self Help, Book Club

120 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2014

About the author

Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.

Reviews

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read in 2019: For my re-read of this lovely book with my husband and son this year, we went slowly through the events of Peter's three years with Jesus as we studied the Gospels. This approach gave me a different experience with the book - and I definitely still love it!

Read in December 2014: I read the entirety of this short book this afternoon. It is beautiful, and it is filled with insights into the New Testament accounts of Peter's encounters with Jesus. I will likely look to it frequently for inspiration in my efforts to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring! Towards the beginning, they share part of my favorite all-time quote by Marianne Williamson: "We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking...We are all meant to shine...We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone." Then, they talk about how Peter was a simple fisherman who accepted a call one day that would change his life and how we can do the same.

They talk about the two things that hold us back the most: doubt and fear and the words that Christ will speak to remove those things and instill confidence and calm the raging storms we may find ourselves in. What are you willing to sacrifice? Are you ready to take a stand and leave neutral ground? Are you ready to do remarkable things and become extraordinary?

I love how this book is put together and the thought provoking questions that are asked. What would Peter do and say and what would you do and say are asked a lot, too. I love the physical book, too--it's small, hardcover, with thick pages, beautiful artwork and a fabulous message. If you enjoy short, inspirational books, this is a book you will definitely want to buy!

I checked out their website, too (http://multiplygoodness.com). One of the quotes on there that I love is "Together we can overwhelm the world with good...one little bit of good at a time." It's just starting out and it looks like it will be an amazing resource for good! Under the "Gather Good" tab, they talk about a book club starting in September! The "Do Good" tab gives ideas for performing random acts of goodness. I have a friend that performed acts of goodness on her birthday. So, when she turned 24, she performed 24 acts that day (or maybe it was over a couple of days). I loved the idea, though, and her experiences brought tears to my eyes as I realized what an amazing person she is and how she blessed the lives of many others by doing that. There's other great stuff to check out, too!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Peter is a man we know about from the Bible. A man who was asked to cast his net and then leave behind his life as a fisherman to follow Christ. In The Peter Potential, we learn even more about this story and the many others that came throughout the ministry. We are asked to apply the teaching to the multitude, the personal invitations to cast out a little form the shore and then into the deep. Through nautical photos, graphics, quotes, scripture and text, the authors challenge the reader to a higher level of discipleship, a trial of faith and the ship overflowing with blessings when we take a challenge from the Lord. This is a book I'm going to have to read several times to pick up on the layers and lessons. I've been through it twice and it's left me pondering how I can become more like Peter.

The only drawback with the flow of the book, is that I wish the authors would have separated Peter's distinct experiences and stories by a small break or chapter. There are several vignettes rolled into one book. It was a bit hard to know where one ended and the other began. Overall, an uplifting and though provoking gift quality read that holds hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Beautiful.

My Favorite Quote
To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy of that moment finds them unprepared and unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour- Winston Churchill p.20

The Lord is completely aware of you, He has miracles in store for you, and He knows what He is about to do. Give Him all that you have to offer. He will bless it. He will make it more." p.64

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book that reminds us what we can accomplish by following Christ. It also reminds us how important, capable, and strong we are. I really needed this message and was touched by the scriptures, photographs, and beautiful words. Great, inspirational read!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, loved it!! Super motivating!!

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most, seeing our full potential is sometimes a difficult thing. Authors David Butler and Emily Belle Freeman strive to show readers how to reach their full potential in their latest release, THE PETER POTENTIAL: Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live.

The authors take readers on the journey that Peter took when the Lord showed him he was more than a mere fisherman. They explain the invitations that were extended and the results of Peter’s decisions.

The book explores how we respond to situations, whether we see them as roadblocks or invitations for something greater. With each invitation comes the choice of having faith strong enough or doubt more powerful.

Through understanding how Peter found his potential, readers can better understand how to achieve all they are meant to be.

THE PETER POTENTIAL is a lovely hardcover book that flows smoothly and quickly. The beautiful color photographs add to the book’s appeal. A meaningful and inspiring book highlighted by Bible verses and uplifting quotes.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

"sometimes it is hard to believe... because you live such a normal life. but there is one who knows what you are destined to achieve. and what if that someone had the power to help you discover the life you were meant to live? would you accept the invitation?"

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I will definitely be reading this one over and over again!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! I will be reading it over and over again to be reminded of what I can become with the Lord on my side. I want to get a copy for my entire Relief Society!

[Karlissa Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” -Winston Churchill

“Do you think anyone told Peter that he was destined for remarkable things? That he was extraordinary?
That there was a spark of greatness in him?
The Lord did. He told him who he was. He showed him the possibility of who he could become.
Without the Lord, Peter was just a simple fisherman. With the Lord, His potential was immeasurable.

The same is true for you.”

“There is a spark of greatness in you just waiting to be ignited. Your possibilities span the universe. You have within you the potential to become someone remarkable. You were not sent to this Earth to play small...to shrink...to fail... You were destined to make a difference. You were made for amazing things."

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very uplifting! I love that it is written in a way to not only uplift the reader, but also to get the reader thinking. It talks about The disciple Peter, and gives insight into how he may have been thinking, and acting through out his journey with Christ. The book finishes with the invite to Follow Christ, and to uplift others. The illustrations in the book are beautiful! Over all a lovely book!

“There is a spark of greatness in you just waiting to be ignited. Your possibilities Span the universe. You have within you the potential to become someone remarkable. You were not sent to this earth to play small... to shrink... to fail... you were destined to make a difference. You were made for amazing things.”

[Callee]

This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be a more in-depth study into the life and service of Peter. However, I felt like this was more just surface level and fluff in hardback with pretty pictures to make money. There were some quotes in there that I did like and gave me some perspective but I didn't love the fictional aspect the authors added "Peter looked at the Lord and again found that He was watching him intently. The look on His face was becoming familiar - expectation sparkled in His eyes, and Peter knew the Lord was about to extend an invitation that would require action." I think at one point in my life I would have loved this but I was looking for more and this wasn't the fit.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Very thoughtful SHORT book. I love these 2 authors and how they are so good at taking a simple image and making it profound. Like the image of Peter the morning where he had no luck catching fish. They present the image of a worn out soul that still has things to clean and mend (kind of like a mom at the end of the day) and the invitation the Lord offers despite just finishing tidying up. Or the image of nets that entangle us where we get so lost in the details we might miss the opportunity to rise above it all and see the blessings of heaven.
Also beautiful pictures on each page.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a 15 minute read, but so good! “There is a spark of greatness in you just waiting to be ignited. Your possibilities span the universe. You have within you the potential to become someone remarkable. You were not sent to this earth to play small...to shrink...to fail...you were destined to make a difference. You were made for amazing things.” Love it!
And, “Has anyone ever told you that you are EXTRAORDINARY? That you are destined for REMARKABLE THINGS? That there is a SPARK OF GREATNESS in you? They should have.”

[michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like how the author assumes things about Peter that we don't know. I understand why they do that, they're believable thoughts to have it active to do, but don't write it like it's fact when it's not.

He [The Lord] knows everything about you.... He knows what keeps you up at night. He knows what weighs on your heart. He knows your longing to become something more.<\i>

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: G
If your soul needs an inspiring pick-me-up, this is it. Butler and Freeman zoom in on the invitations Peter receives from Christ and makes them personal for readers. Just like Christ saw potential in Peter, He sees potential in you. You have greatness to unlock. Are you ready to live your greatness?

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, insightful. It's a fast read, but absolutely worth the time if you want to examine your relationship with the Savior a little more closely. Teaches some lovely lessons about how He extends invitations to Simon Peter...and all of us.

[Brenda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book with beautiful pictures and thoughts to inspire. I loved the format and also the way the type was varied and interesting.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with even more beautiful insights from the life of the apostle Peter that easily apply to your own life. It's a wonderful book to own and to look at often.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.. full of wonderful insight and quotes

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some good questions and things to think about.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read that ties in perfectly with New Testament study.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little quick read about how you can truly become the person you were meant to be. Lots of great and inspiring quotes that I will be adding to my own personal collection.

[Ashley]

Eh. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Shayla Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exploring the transition between Simon to Peter is something anyone could relate to and there were so many great lessons taught here.

[Serena West · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a super fast read that is amazingly powerful. You will feel loved and as if you can make it through anything.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was one of those gift type books you find at Deseret Book. It was fine. You can easily read it in one sitting.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with interesting ideas centered around the story of Peter.

[Mary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the life you were meant to live.

[Happy Reading Watching]

This was the perfect Sunday read.
Truly needed it and was so happy I was able to borrow it from my sister. ♡