This Christian memoir was a nice little read that had some great insights. I didn't relate to the author's stories as much as I have some others that I have read, but it was still enjoyable.

I could not have read this at a better time. I was so overwhelmingly encouraged.

I had no preconceived notions of what to expect when picking up It Is What You Make of It by Justin McRoberts, but the idea of creating something beautiful from what I already possess won me over.

Justin writes through lived experience. He articulates that art, making, and creating is a lifetime journey. And you won't be great, or even good, in the beginning, but that doesn't mean that you are not constantly being shaped by your everyday experiences.

He writes poignantly of hurt and forgiveness, the beauty of corporate participation, and how life often goes sideways and backwards. However, Justin writes endearingly with an invitation, encouraging you to continue to plod in doing a good work, testing your limits, and heeding the nos and the rejection. Above all, I appreciate his encouragement to love people through your work because that itself is a special gift that points to the goodness of Jesus.

Justin is also incredibly funny. I enjoyed the witty remarks and comedic asides because I think I have a similar sense of humor and writing style.

His book met me in a special place where I find myself with dashed hopes and broken trust. And I think the Lord brought me a special word and ministered to me through this book. I hope it does the same for so many others.

Should Justin read this, thank you for your work, brother.

Justin McRoberts is a wonderful storyteller, and his stories all lead to inspiring lessons.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

"It is what you make of it" is an easy spirited read, with humor and anecdotes that draw in the reader and connect with them. I highly recommend this book to all considering it.

The author does a great job of reframing life, its challenges, and frustrations, towards optimism, creativity, and making life what you can with what you have, focusing on the"power of potentiality", as the author callse it. Quite a refreshing perspective!

I highly recommend all read this, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Thomas Nelson publishing and NetGalley for this free book. The comments above are of my own without influence.

Justin McRoberts latest book, It Is What You Make of It: Creating Something Great from What You’ve Been Given is a phenomenal book that made an impact on the way I am able to see the world in a way to make the best of what I have rather than simply accepting something and taking it as it is and saying, “it is what it is”.

I enjoy the practical advice coming from life lessons that is interspersed with humor and wit in an easy to read book. I feel that the advice is sound and completely actionable and also very inspirational.

This book will make for a great gift to our new graduates facing the world, or to friends and families that need a little boost, positivity, and motivation in their lives.

I am so grateful to have read this book and I encourage you to do so as well. This is quite a transformational read that resonated with me, and I hope it does for you as well.

“It is what it is.” What does Justin McRoberts think about that? “I think those words are almost always a trap. I think those words are far too often a way to settle for less than what your soul wants, less than what your talents make you capable of, and waaaaaaay less than what God wants for you.” “Just about nothing in the realm of human experience simply “is what it is.” Most every set of circumstances we find ourselves in is the cumulative result of decisions other people have made.” “I’m learning to intentionally look at what I’ve been given, including the more problematic parts of who I am, and instead of just saying, “I’m just this way” or “I am just the way I am,” I’m asking myself, “What can I make of this?””

This is an excellent book for creatives in really any field or even someone trying to find some motivation to do something about the situations they find themselves in. This is a book about doing. This is a book about you being an important part of the equation, no matter what that equation is.

Justin McRoberts writes with humor and first-hand knowledge of the creative process. He has failed and succeeded and tells stories of both. His writing style is down to earth and he is easily relatable. And in making the most of your circumstances, Justin also brings Jesus into the equation.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to make the most of their circumstances.