Book #1 LIVING INSIDE THE TESTIMONY
You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover beyond the front cover...
It's a beautiful, heartfelt love story...
Funny, amusing, emotional, and entertaining...
Profound, thought-provoking, and inspirational...
You'll laugh on one page and cry on the next...
And in the end, perhaps you will discover that you too live inside a testimony meant to be shared with others!
My first book is a collection of life lessons - stories that exemplify God's amazing love and abundant blessings. You'll witness the inspiration, faith, hope, humor, romance, and love that I experienced on an incredible journey. The stories revolve around my family, friends, and other individuals who have contributed, often unknowingly, to the path God has chosen for my life. You'll read about how I fell in love at age fourteen (with my future husband) followed by his near-death experience with emergency brain surgery a week before our high school graduation. I also share our amazing experience in New York a week prior to 9/11. You'll become captivated with the humorously frustrating 3-year ordeal my husband and I overcame when trying to purchase land that was NOT for sale in order to build our dream home right next door to my husband's beloved mother-in-law.
Ultimately, you will discover that I have been living inside a testimony (and so have you), but it wasn't until I started writing that I realized what a monumental impact it can be to share my testimony with others. God has orchestrated my life’s path every step of the way, and I hope you enjoy the journey as you take a walk with me, inside my testimony.
RADIO AND TV INTERVIEWS WITH BETTY ABOUT THE BOOK
"AM Colorado" News Talk Radio 1310 KFKA with host, George Gray
Click here to LISTEN to the interview on YouTube
"Love Matters Talk Show" with host, Inez Robinson
Click here to WATCH the show on YouTube
"BK Media and Entertainment Blog Talk Radio" with host, BK Walker
Click here to go to the Blog Talk Radio website to listen
"The Gatekeeper Broadcast" with host, Tiffany Swift
Click here to LISTEN to the interview on YouTube
StarStyle Be the Star You Are! World Talk Radio with host, Cynthia BrianClick here to WATCH the show on YouTube
"BK Media and Entertainment Blog Talk Radio" with host, BK Walker
Click here to go to the Blog Talk Radio website to listen
"The Gatekeeper Broadcast" with host, Tiffany Swift
Click here to LISTEN to the interview on YouTube
Click here to LISTEN to the interview on YouTube (Part 1)
Part 2 of the interview - click here
"AAMBC Blog Talk Radio" with host, Tamika Newhouse
Click here to go to the Blog Talk Radio website to listen
Please note: There is a 4.5 minute song that plays first.
I start talking around the 7-minute mark.
BOOK REVIEWS
Reviewed by Author Anna del C. Dye. for Readers Favorite
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This is a heartfelt personal testimony from a Christian woman and her hope to share it with others. When we have a personal testimony of something that has made us different in a happy way, we want to share it with any who may want to hear it. This book has done a great job of keeping this point of view in mind and, without force, lets others see and feel her spiritual journey.
In this book Betty Collier says, “I am not a pastor, preacher, teacher, missionary, minister, or evangelist. I’m just an ordinary person, living an ordinary life, giving my testimony. My testimony is no different from millions of others. However, as a Christian, I am a witness for Jesus Christ, and am therefore obligated to share the gospel of Jesus with whoever will listen. I will do so very boldly through this venue.”
A strong belief comes from the heart, not the mind. In this book you will find and feel the reality that we belong to our creator and that when we turn our lives to Him, we are better than when we exist alone. There is a higher place where He wants us to be if we just let Him in.
This is a very easy reading book that will inspire the reader to see the many ways that God has helped us throughout our life. It will help you see your life in a very different and better way. The reader will find a clean, positive, uplifting and great read. It does not push any particular religion, just pure old-fashioned Christianity and how much we should thank our creator for what we have. It is great reading for Christians no matter what religion they belong to.
Amazon.com purchaser S. Post, amazon.com
Rating: GREAT BOOK - 5 out of 5 stars
Betty has written a wonderful story of her life of faith. I especially love the journal she kept for her child - what a great gift. Buy Betty's book for Mother's Day gifts!
Reviewed by Tekisha, OOSA Online Book Club
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
"Living Inside the Testimony" by Betty Collier, is a very empowering novel that portrays hope and faith. I am familiar and well aware of the various religions today but have not began to voluntary devote myself to any religion's beliefs at this time. But decided to make a change and read something different. Betty Collier has a memorable incident in her life, as many people encounter daily, but exploits this personal information to others and expresses the many blessings associated in her life. Life is about changes and change is always for the BEST! This novel is absolutely AMAZING! Taking the time to read "Living Inside the Testimony" has definitely inspired me to follow my heart and accept the many blessings with living my testimony. I recommend this book to all non-religious and religious readers!
Reviewed by Linda's Lunacy (A Blogspot)
Rating: HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I really loved this book! I love biographies, and while this isn't a biography per se, it has a similar feel to it. The author really shares her heart in this book. I love how Mrs. Collier doesn't take credit for what has happened in her life, she gives all the credit to God.
She shares how she met her husband, the serious accident her husband had (that almost took his life), how they got married and had kids. She even shares the journal she kept when pregnant with her first child. How they built their house, then everything that went into building their dream house (on the cover) that they never dreamed of until the Lord made it happen. She also shares how this book came to be. She self published the first edition, and shares how she found a national publisher for the 2nd edition.
We should all, at some point in our lives, write down our testimony of all the Lord has done for us. That is just what Mrs. Collier has done.
I highly recommend Living Inside The Testimony.
Reviewed by BK Walker
Rating: EXCELLENT, 5 out of 5 stars
First of all I just love this cover. It's a beautiful portrayal of what is between the pages. The book itself, I loved too. Betty wrote as if she was actually sitting at a kitchen table chatting over coffee, telling you the story of her life, and all the blessings that come with it. From finding her true love in high school, the ups and downs that were presented to marrying him when they both thought they would never be together again, to the birth of her children, getting her dream home, and ending with the question "What Must I Do To Be Saved?"
There was humor where at times I found myself laughing with Betty and times that she truly moved me and I found myself feeling so proud of her. This wasn't a book of preaching the gospel, but of pure inspiration. Betty has made herself available at the end of her book should anyone have any questions, or feel led to accept Jesus into their lives. I love how Living Inside The Testimony was written and I think Betty has accomplished what she has set out to do...simply to share and inspire. Well done Betty!
There was humor where at times I found myself laughing with Betty and times that she truly moved me and I found myself feeling so proud of her. This wasn't a book of preaching the gospel, but of pure inspiration. Betty has made herself available at the end of her book should anyone have any questions, or feel led to accept Jesus into their lives. I love how Living Inside The Testimony was written and I think Betty has accomplished what she has set out to do...simply to share and inspire. Well done Betty!
Reviewed by L.E. Harvey
Rating: HAPPY READING!
Living Inside the Testimony is by new author, Betty Collier. Though she calls herself an unexpected author, I must say that I'm glad she branched out and wrote this book. Mrs. Collier takes us deep into her personal life. Albeit small, this book is chock-full with a deep and touching story. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. What I found surprised me, quite pleasantly. Her story is one of strength, determination and faith. She is very open and honest about her struggles. What I like about this book is that it's as if you're sitting at a table having coffee with Mrs. Collier and she's telling her story. It's warm, familiar, and personal. You get a good sense of who she is as a person. It's a very endearing trait of this book. The one thing I didn't like? I wanted more. That's actually a good thing. They say that the mark of any good artist is to leave your audience wanting more. Mrs. Collier DEFINATELY does that with her book. There is so much to her and her incredible story. There are some parts where she just glazes over the story and you find yourself smiling, silently begging her for more! It was a pleasant, quick read. Thank you, Betty Collier, for taking me on this journey with you.
Reviewed by Natasha R. Hines, www.aambookclub.com
Rating: EXCELLENT, 5 out of 5 stars
Heartfelt thanks and sincerity permeate the pages of Living Inside the Testimony. Author, Betty Collier, shares her testimony of trauma, tragedy, tenacity, and triumph with readers. Her testimony begins with the way God orchestrated the relationship between her and her on-again-off-again boyfriend, turned husband. The hard working couple eventually had two sons. Collier shares memories of her pregnancies which reveal evidence of her faith. Collier's trust in God and the lessons she learns while living in her testimony will appeal to readers. She learned to understand God's timing, trust God to control situations, and depend solely on God for her success and survival. Collier even challenges the reader by mentioning that it was no mistake that I read the book; my reading of her testimony was apart of God's plan for my life. Full of inspiring victories and taxing disappointments, Living Inside the Testimony is simply a tribute to the omnipotent master from the perspective of an obedient servant.
Reviewed by Eric Jones, www.BookReview.com Rating: EXCELLENT
As opposed to the scores of modern day memoirs that chronicle the lives of lofty senators or drug riddled pop stars, Bette Collier's "Living Inside the Testimony" reminds us of how lofty normal life can be. Collier's poignant ruminations on marriage, child bearing and raising, and the everyday trials of a middle class American family are likely to remind you of your own livelihood. "Living Inside the Testimony" is a tribute to the Christian bubble that surrounds the life of Collier and her family, but it's central theme is family and the trials that pervade a life in suburbia. It's a humorous scrapbook of a memoir that will amuse you and remind you of your own family.
Although Collier starts the book with the tale of her first meeting and falling in love with her husband during their high school years, she darts back and forth in time to give the impression of a woman who's thinking back on the years gone by. Normally, this lack of linear narrative would make it a struggle to understand the full story, but in Collier's case it works wonders. The quick paced snapping in time keeps the story moving. Collier uses truncated phrases to close short scenes such as her and her future husband, William, kissing beneath the bleachers, "as they say, the rest is history", to William's head injury a year or so later. This also works metaphorically since it seems to represent time passing by so quickly.
The main conflict is also metaphorical since it involves the building of the Collier dream home featured on the book's cover. Although the author gives us the step-by-step trials of its construction, we also begin to see it through Collier's eyes as God's ultimate plan. She describes these stories with a light hearted sense of humor that keeps you tickled even during it's more poignant moments. The building of the house is symbolic of the building of the Collier family, and their upward social mobility through the years as a result of hard work and devout faith.
"Living Inside the Testimony" is more about family to me than about actual testimony. Even though it's God's testimony that surrounds every aspect of Collier's life (she even devotes that last few chapters to the "Come to Jesus" speech) her book is ultimately about how her devotion and faith has led her through a happy and fulfilled life. It's uplifting to read a book that exalts normal living as a virtue rather than a boring alternative.
Although Collier starts the book with the tale of her first meeting and falling in love with her husband during their high school years, she darts back and forth in time to give the impression of a woman who's thinking back on the years gone by. Normally, this lack of linear narrative would make it a struggle to understand the full story, but in Collier's case it works wonders. The quick paced snapping in time keeps the story moving. Collier uses truncated phrases to close short scenes such as her and her future husband, William, kissing beneath the bleachers, "as they say, the rest is history", to William's head injury a year or so later. This also works metaphorically since it seems to represent time passing by so quickly.
The main conflict is also metaphorical since it involves the building of the Collier dream home featured on the book's cover. Although the author gives us the step-by-step trials of its construction, we also begin to see it through Collier's eyes as God's ultimate plan. She describes these stories with a light hearted sense of humor that keeps you tickled even during it's more poignant moments. The building of the house is symbolic of the building of the Collier family, and their upward social mobility through the years as a result of hard work and devout faith.
"Living Inside the Testimony" is more about family to me than about actual testimony. Even though it's God's testimony that surrounds every aspect of Collier's life (she even devotes that last few chapters to the "Come to Jesus" speech) her book is ultimately about how her devotion and faith has led her through a happy and fulfilled life. It's uplifting to read a book that exalts normal living as a virtue rather than a boring alternative.
Reviewed by Donetta Garman, www.allbookreviews.com
Rating: HIGHLY RECOMMEND, 5 out of 5 stars
Author Betty Collier is like many of us, she has a faith in God. But this author takes that faith a step further by showing what it means to have the faith, testify to that faith and to be Living Inside the Testimony.
Ms. Collier uses her own real-life events to share her journey. She uses inspiration, humor, and love and of course faith to show how God arranged the events of her life. Sometimes unexpected travelers along her path helped her along her way.
In Chapter Four Betty explains in her own words, “I now see how He had divinely orchestrated everything, which does indeed make it a testimony”.
I found this book to be helpful, because it contained events that many people can relate to. In the busyness of our lives, we often forget that there is someone who is in charge. Ms. Collier is not afraid to proclaim that that someone is God.
When talking about the birth of one of her sons, the author shares this insight, “You see my point is simply this: we live inside testimonies all the time and rarely see them for what they truly are. When I was writing in the diary fourteen to fifteen years ago, I never thought about it as being a testimony.”
Living Inside the Testimony is a worthwhile and encouraging read. It will light the path for seeing that though things may not always go smoothly, with God in our lives, they will go according to His plan if we will allow them. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to reaffirm the purpose in their life.
Ms. Collier uses her own real-life events to share her journey. She uses inspiration, humor, and love and of course faith to show how God arranged the events of her life. Sometimes unexpected travelers along her path helped her along her way.
In Chapter Four Betty explains in her own words, “I now see how He had divinely orchestrated everything, which does indeed make it a testimony”.
I found this book to be helpful, because it contained events that many people can relate to. In the busyness of our lives, we often forget that there is someone who is in charge. Ms. Collier is not afraid to proclaim that that someone is God.
When talking about the birth of one of her sons, the author shares this insight, “You see my point is simply this: we live inside testimonies all the time and rarely see them for what they truly are. When I was writing in the diary fourteen to fifteen years ago, I never thought about it as being a testimony.”
Living Inside the Testimony is a worthwhile and encouraging read. It will light the path for seeing that though things may not always go smoothly, with God in our lives, they will go according to His plan if we will allow them. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to reaffirm the purpose in their life.