What Readers Are Saying
Readers are finding strength, clarity, and renewed hope in these pages. Their stories reflect how God uses even the hardest seasons to shape us with purpose.
“I like your book! It is a quick read and very spiritual. Your examples are personal, historical, and biblical in explaining our Lord’s purpose for our shaping. It is written in a straightforward manner I wish I could emulate. You are a very good writer. Thank you!”
Timothy Legere
Veteran, U.S. Army Military Police, Panama Canal Zone
“I couldn’t put it down. Very inspirational. It taught me that when I feel inadequate, I just need to get out of my own way so God’s will can run the show.”
Tony Goodman
Retired Farm Manager
| “One of those books you just can’t put down. The quarry‑to‑temple timeline is an effective roadmap. Each of us will find a personal connection. For me, it was my son’s years of addiction… He was in the quarry but now part of the temple of recovery.” |
Scott Barker
Retired, FBI Special Agent
“Finished the manuscript right after lunch. It was a very good read. The quarry concept worked extremely well, and all the stories were interesting. Honestly, it’s better than many books I’ve picked off the shelf.”
Ronnie McKinney
Retired Farmer
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| “Shaped in Life’s Quarry illustrates the hope we can have in life’s tension and adversity. The Master Architect refines us for His purpose and His glory because He loves us. Don Cole takes us on a journey of testimonies that remind us we are never beyond God’s reach. A must‑read for anyone who has faced difficulty — which is all of us.” |
Rev. Danny Flick
Rock the House Ministries
“Donald Cole has done an excellent job describing how a person can have a negative experience and learn from it. His focus on God’s presence is well illustrated. I recommend this book for encouraging reading.”
Mac Wilcox
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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| “A great book that reminded me God is always working regardless of circumstances.” |
Todd Hightower
Deacon, Fair Haven Baptist Church, Eastman, Georgia
“Whether it’s a professional draft or a schoolyard game of kickball, we all know what it means to be chosen. The good news is that God chooses us despite our lack of qualifications. Shaped in Life’s Quarry is a powerful reminder that our effort or skill isn’t what matters most — God chooses us, shapes us, and prepares us for the work He’s called us to do.”
Greg Chapman
Director of Coaches Ministry, Northeast Floria Fellowship of Christian Athletes
| “Don Cole has done a remarkable job describing how God shapes us for His service. The biblical and modern examples show the countless ways God goes about that work. In examining the quarry of life, Don has truly left no stone unturned.” |
Neil Joiner
Retired Banker, Newspaper Columnist, and Author
“Reverend Cole’s book is a welcome reminder that the stories we tell ourselves about suffering are not the same as God’s story for us. Drawing from Scripture, from both familiar and unfamiliar biographies, and with vulnerability about his own experiences of failure and loss, Cole shows how God uses our challenges to prepare us for purpose. In every chapter, he points us toward the hope found in God’s shaping work.”
Jason Hobbs
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, M.Div.
| “Shaped in Life’s Quarry is an easy, inspiring read filled with wonderful examples of how God shapes people for His purpose. As I read, I kept thinking how naturally it could be used for a quick devotion at church or even to teach a lesson. Don has done a great job writing this book, and I appreciate him sharing it with me.” |
Darrell Whiddon
Retired Bank Executive