The best books to adjust your attitude (crown) for greater

Why am I passionate about this?

My life was turned upside down because of a devastating divorce, becoming an empty nester, and my job as a theology professor ending. The identity crisis was real because the doing that gave me purpose was gone, yet God had a lesson and a purpose. I realized that what was left was more than what left me, and I understand that the key to resilience is your spiritual foundation. I believe the crown you wear is the treasure; elevation begins head first. Today, I empower women to live life confidently, on their terms, with peace and financial security. I help women reframe their stories, reinvent themselves, and reimagine their future. 


I wrote...

Divinely Connected: Sister 2 Sister

By Chonta T.A. Haynes,

Book cover of Divinely Connected: Sister 2 Sister

What is my book about?

Unveil the life-changing power of a crown-adjusting devotional planner designed to guide you through life's toughest challenges. This book offers support, heartfelt encouragement, and Biblically-based wisdom to help you grow in faith, reflect on your journey, stretch your limits, and celebrate victories. It’s like having a sister come alongside you in your darkest moments and bring light. 

Within these pages, you'll find healing for past hurts and discover the courage and strength needed to rebuild after grief, loss, divorce, and disappointments. Engage in heartfelt prayers, dive into inspiring readings, and unleash your potential as we weather the storms of life and the seasons of change. You will connect, grow, and thrive at the well of sisterhood and emerge victorious.   

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Audacious

Chonta T.A. Haynes Why did I love this book?

I love how Beth Moore invites you to get comfortable yet uncomfortable in her book. She challenges whether you believe big and act on it. This is so important for changing your thoughts and elevating them for more.

The entire book keeps you engaged, reflecting, and dreaming of more. It’s like having a tall glass of lemonade on the porch with a friend who knows you deeply and expects more from you, so she allows you to want it without you realizing you’ve been up-leveled.

This book puts your faith on steroids, and you will believe bigger and actually want to do something about it. 

By Beth Moore,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Audacious as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Thirty years in the making, Audacious is a deep dive into the message that has compelled Beth Moore to serve women around the globe. Glancing over the years of ministry behind her and strengthening her resolve to the call before her, she came to the realization that her vision for women was incomplete. It lacked something they were aching for. Something Jesus was longing for. Beth identifies that missing link by digging through Scripture, unearthing life experiences, and spotlighting a turning point with the capacity to infuse any life with holy passion and purpose. What was missing? Well, let's just…


Book cover of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success

Chonta T.A. Haynes Why did I love this book?

I can’t say enough about this book, which encourages doing what others wouldn’t do to succeed. It probes you to constantly answer the questions posed by the author. I kept writing down the questions I wanted to ask others.

This book will take you and your business to the next level. It will build character and habits that not only help you become aware of what may be holding you back but also empower you to take the stairs as you climb up. 

By Rory Vaden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Take the Stairs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The New York Times bestseller that will help you get off the “escalator” and tackle the work that leads to real success

How do successful people achieve results? In short, they do it the old-fashioned way, with focus and self-discipline. Popular speaker and strategist Rory Vaden presents a simple program for “taking the stairs”—that is, resisting the temptations of “quick fixes,” eliminating distractions, and transcending personal setbacks in order to reach your goals.

Whatever your vision of success is, this proven program will help you get there—one stair at a time.


Book cover of DIVORCE: Think Financially, Not Emotionally: What Women Need To Know About Securing Their Financial Future Before, During, and After Divorce

Chonta T.A. Haynes Why did I love this book?

I am a fan of making sure my financial house is in order. As life happens, we sometimes find ourselves heartbroken. Too many have faced the divorce scenario and lost because of tear-stained pillows. Landers encourages thought-provoking questions in a way that you are very prepared not only for the divorce process but also for what comes after.

Many divorced women end up in poverty because they are unaware of the finances, are blinded when the ex has hidden funds, and are distraught emotionally that they hold onto marital property they can’t afford. I love this book because it explains what is needed to make the right decisions in a crisis situation so that you come out in the best possible position.

By Jeffrey A. Landers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked DIVORCE as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

UPDATED 2020 VERSION. Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster. And if you’re a woman going through a divorce, you may not be thinking about financial matters, such as how your assets might get divided, tax liabilities, and what your living expenses might be ten years from now. But, here’s the problem: the decisions you make both before and during your divorce will directly impact the rest of your life, for better or for worse. Thinking financially is not always easy. But, it is possible, especially if you have some help. Anyone, no matter how savvy, can benefit from expert advice when…


Book cover of The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses including Health, Career, and Faith

Chonta T.A. Haynes Why did I love this book?

At some time in our lives, we all go through losing a loved one. I was introduced to this book after my mother died. I love the honesty of what others would say and the grace suggested to get through difficult seasons. Don’t be fooled that this is just a story to comfort.

This book helps you do the heart work to understand your feelings. I love the timeline and the fact that recovery is the main point of this book. It’s not you hiding behind work, school, or substances. It helps you see the triggers and gives you tools to actually recover. 

By John W. James, Russell Friedman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Grief Recovery Handbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Updated to commemorate its 20th anniversary, this classic resource further explores the effects of grief and sheds new light on how to begin to take effective actions to complete the grieving process and work towards recovery and happiness.

Incomplete recovery from grief can have a lifelong negative effect on the capacity for happiness. Drawing from their own histories as well as from others', the authors illustrate how it is possible to recover from grief and regain energy and spontaneity.

Based on a proven program, The Grief Recovery Handbook offers grievers the specific actions needed to move beyond loss. New material…


Book cover of The Power of a Praying Wife

Chonta T.A. Haynes Why did I love this book?

I enjoy prayer and its importance in elevating me above circumstances. As I faced the difficulties of marriage, this book gave me hope and a way of positively moving forward. The depth of understanding of a husband's issues allows for prayer on a different level. Each chapter gave more insight as you prayed for your husband and yourself.

I never underestimate the power of prayer to change people, circumstances, and especially you. This book redirects your efforts to release the burdens and see your spouse and your situation differently.

By Stormie Omartian,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Power of a Praying Wife as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

MORE THAN 10 MILLION COPIES SOLD

God Can Work Powerfully Through a Praying Wife

Today's challenges can make a fulfilling marriage seem like an impossible dream. Yet God delights in doing the impossible if only we would ask! Stormie Omartian shares how God can strengthen your marriage as you pray for your husband concerning key areas in his life, including...

his spiritual walk his emotions his role as a leader his security in work his physical protection his faith and his future

You will be encouraged by Stormie's own experiences, along with the Bible verses and sample prayers included in…


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Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

By Sima Dimitrijev, PhD, Maryann Karinch,

Book cover of Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

Sima Dimitrijev, PhD Author Of Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

My core value is realistic education—learning from each other’s errors and successes, but with full awareness of the difference between the determined past and the uncertain future. We can benefit from uncertainty, which I’ve been doing for a living as an engineer, academic researcher, and inventor. I make use of knowledge and science as much as possible, but I also know that strategic decisions for the uncertain future require skepticism and thinking to deal with the differences in a new circumstance. With my core value, I am passionate about sharing insights and knowledge that our formal education does not provide.

Sima's book list on realistic knowledge and decision making

What is my book about?

Everything in nature evolves by trial, error, and success—from fundamental physics, through evolution in biology, to how people learn, think, and decide.

This book presents a way of thinking and realistic knowledge that our formal education shuns. Stepping beyond this ignorance, the book shows how to deal with and even benefit from uncertainty by skeptical thinking, strategic decisions, and teamwork based on enlightened self-interests.

This bottom-up thinking is thought-provoking for leaders who wish to build teams rather than herds. The insights in the book will help you to be better prepared for the unexpected, less likely to conform when you…

Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

By Sima Dimitrijev, PhD, Maryann Karinch,

What is this book about?

Everything in nature evolves by trial, error, and success. They didn't teach you this in school, even though you should know why the rigid laws of physics don't rule nature and don't inhibit your free-will decisions to try, fail, and succeed. As a guide to success, this book shows how skepticism, prudent use of science, and thinking lead to strategic decisions for the uncertain future.
 
Presenting real-life examples, the thinking in the book combines sharp analyses with broad analogies to show:
 
How to identify realistic knowledge and avoid harm due to overgeneralized concepts. How to create new knowledge and solve…


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