One: Impossible Starts Here

by Suzanne Mayernick, Gwen Oatsvall

Few people imagine themselves doing what Gwen and Suzanne are doing—raising thirteen children between their two respective families, with seven of their kids arriving by way of adoption. But Gwen and Suzanne didn’t imagine themselves doing it either—not until they took one simple step of biblical obedience, followed by the next step, which led to the next step, until God turned each of these believing steps into a full, steadily enriching journey of togetherness, challenge, friendship, love, adventure, tears, faith, confidence.
 
All the makings of an impossibly joyful life.
 
And for those who find themselves stuck somewhere between fear and inferiority, between doubt and disillusionment, tired of bare spiritual minimums but unable to spot a path that takes them to anything more meaningful, the simplicity of this message could finally reveal how God can work through their ordinary selves and their uncertain steps of surrender to make His presence overwhelmingly known in their lives.
 
From China to Uganda, east and west throughout the United States, with daily, hourly, moment-by-moment prayer excursions between earth and heaven, these stories and their humble beginnings will inspire you to start again, right where you are—embracing the one opportunity for obedience, love, or service that’s staring you in the face today, and watching God stretch it (and you) into something (and into someone) that you never imagined possible.

Genres: Adoption, Christian, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Laura Kivi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads

[Virginia Brunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads First Read giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's both thought provoking and inspiring at the same time. The two authors have 13 children between them -- some biological and some adopted. Their concept of Love One starts with their adoption journeys and morphs into a non profit agency called 147 Orphans. They write that God is calling all of us to Love One and that He is guiding you everyday in what that means. It means different things to different people -- it could be adoption, but it could also be serving at your local soup kitchen, homeless shelter etc. The purpose of the book is to show you have they found the Love One principle and to help the reader find their own Love One moments (they either build on each other, or they are given to you by God, one after the other.)

They also talk about how joy is what you find when you live by this principle. It recognizes that you can't always be happy, but you can have joy in your life everyday. This was a powerful book and I'm very glad I read it.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what I would actually get from this book. One was a very motivational and inspirational read. Everything in this book was everything you already know or had heard once before in your life, now whether you choose to listen to it or ignore it depends on you. Except we get a look into the life of Gwen and Suzanne. The saying goes GOD never gives you more than you can handle, which at times doesn’t seem true. Yet, he also gives you the strength to move forward with whatever problems, heartaches, etc. that you are dealing with. You just have to accept it, listen and be willing to do your part. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a read that doesn’t necessarily provide you with answers but will make you think about and remember the strength, love and determination within you.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first-read win. This book was based on a simple baseline principle.Love One.
Loving one, helping one,serving one, feeding one, and being obedient to the next one thing that comes along. This is about two families that said yes to next thing that the creator asks them to do. Saying yes to that next thing can do the impossible. It's not you doing it,but the creator in you doing the impossible. Surrendering or being obedient will lead to an impossibly joyful life. This shows that will the creator nothing is impossible.

[Vicki Sofianos · Rating 3 out of 5]

important message and equally important work

Although I love the message and meaning in this book, as a reader this writing style was difficult to follow. It was in and out of stories between authors and more of a conversation/blog style rather than a book. However their message is one that needs to be shared and as a reader causes much self examination. I enjoyed this on a personal level, but as a literary review the writing was not well done.

[Erin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book certainly encourages adoption/foster care it is even more about listening to the Holy Spirit and saying yes to that ONE thing that God is placing on your heart. A bold step out in faith but one that reaps such huge rewards and blessings. Will be buying multiple copies to give to others!!

[Vykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written story about some wonderful women They follow their faith and lead interesting lives. They are strong in good times and bad. I recommend this book to all. I won this book on goodreads.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be fully open to God's will for their life, or for anyone considering adoption. An inspiring story of two moms who have discovered that the way to do the impossible is just to love.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story. Made for a very interesting read. Quite a story.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little slow moving for my taste. But not a bad book if you are looking for an easy read and inspiration