The Blessing

The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance is by John Trent and Gary Smalley. I recently read the revised and updated version of this classic for parents (and everyone else who touches the lives of others!) The intention of the book is to show that children need blessings in their lives, and parents and other care givers are the natural ones to do this. In fact, the blessing or a lack of a blessing, will affect every area of a child's life, right on in to adulthood.

In this book, the authors use biblical elements to demonstrate the need for a blessing and how parents can achieve blessings for their children. Bible characters demonstrate the different aspects of the blessing, which include: meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. Blessing a child is so much more than simply telling him he is loved. It involves every aspect of a child's life. When the blessing is withheld, children miss out on so much and can even feel cursed.

The author's walk parents through each concept of the blessing, backing up their statements with biblical fact. In each chapter, the authors relate personal stories and practical steps parents can take to be sure that their children feel blessed and see themselves as God sees them. The authors walk parents through concrete steps to share the blessing with their children verbally and in written form.

The book also addresses issues for adults who did not receive a blessing. It gives practical advise on how to remove the curse they may have received instead and how to deal with difficult situations.

Overall, the book is easy to follow and offers practical information with biblical support. All parents, caregivers, teachers, aunts, uncles, etc. should read this book to ensure that the children in their lives grow up with a blessing over them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Beyond Talent

John Maxwell is a leadership expert, and in his book, Beyond Talent, he continues to share his expertise. This book demonstrates that talent is a component in success, but certainly not the most prominent one. Maxwell proves that talent alone is never enough. It is what the individual has beyond that initial talent that allows one to be consistently successful in life.

Maxwell argues that everyone has talent. There are choices we can make in our lives to maximize our talents, such as having belief in them, having passion, having focus, practicing, preparing, being courageous, and having perseverance. He exerts that life is full of choices, and each choice we make, makes us. To become successful, we need talent and the right choices in life, which will make us talent-plus people.

Maxwell takes each step that he feels is necessary for success, and expands upon it in each chapter of the book. In each chapter, he gives examples and practical advice for expanding upon the qualities one needs to be a talent-plus person. He also chooses a person who demonstrates these qualities and shares his story of success.

At the end of each chapter, Maxwell provides practical application exercises for completion. The exercises are helpful in leading one to the full potential of his or her talent and ability.

Overall, Maxwell writes with creativity and wisdom. He shares his own personal knowledge and stories, as well as the stories of well-known individuals who prove his theory that it takes more than just talent to be successful. This book can help individuals apply ideas to become more successful and complete their goals. It would also be a great study book for a group of co-workers looking to advance themselves as a group.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Max on Life

Max Lucado had published many books on Christianity. In his newest book, Max on Life, he takes on a different format. This book shows letters written to Lucado, along with his answers. Lucado takes the letters and emails he has received as a pastor and author and categorizes them to help everyone understand the different facets of Christian living. The book's letters are divided into the following categories: hope, hurt, help, him/her (romance), home, have/have-nots, and hereafter.
The letters and questions Lucado receives are from genuine seekers who desire to know truth and be able to act on it. They cover a wide range of topics from doubting faith, relationships, how to know you are saved, and community.
In response to the questions, Lucado writes in his usual easy style. He quotes Scripture and gives biblical reasons for his answers. He offers practical advice and stories to demonstrate his points. Although his writing is easy to read, his answers are not all easy. He addresses the questions with hard-hitting truth, not fluffy self-help answers. However, he explains why truth will allow the reader to experience the best of life.
Lucado has a way of addressing his readers that makes you feel like you are sitting down in a little cafe, chatting with a friend. His tone is welcoming and reassuring. The book is one you can read quickly, but the ideas will resonate with you for quite some time. The lessons are ones you will go back to again and again.
I would recommend this book to all Christians. It is a great reference anytime you are questioning the Christian walk.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jolt!

Jolt! by Phil Cooke is a book about change. In today's society, change is more than inevitable; it is expected and it occurs quickly. This book was written to not just help us deal with change, but to encourage us to take ownership and jolt our own lives, rather than allowing others to do it for us. Jolt is broken into different sections to help us get ahead in a constantly changing world. Cooke intertwines practical advice for daily living, along with ways we can be better in our professional, personal, and spiritual lives.
Cooke proclaims in his book that it is more than a self-help book full of ideas and philosophical thoughts. This is not just a feel good book designed to make readers happy. Instead, Cooke breaks down practical topics into five categories. He gives us research to support his ideas, and he provides practical ways to apply them. For example, in one section he discusses jolting your creativity. He explains why people struggle in this area, but then he gives practical advice on ways to grow. He says you need to stop worrying about being wrong because creativity is about problem solving, not correct answers. Creativity involves action, so he discusses how to become better at brainstorming. He reminds readers that life is more exciting when you are creative.
The ideas Cooke discusses motivate you to become better and never stop learning. I personally enjoyed the quotes he uses to open each chapter. He integrates ideas from all areas of life.
Overall, this book is enjoyable and practical. It is well-written and easy to read. Most of the advice given is practical and can be practiced by anyone. Some of his ideas seem trite, such as saying life is a gift, or we need to live in the here and now, but they are true. He provides stories to help support these statements, but it is up to the reader to apply them, of course. I do wish his book had a more Christian focus within its applications. He does proclaim his Christianity, but he also makes it a point to state he does not wish to offend anyone and that these beliefs can be applied to any religion or belief system. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and am sure I will reread chapters as needed to remind myself of Cooke's principles.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Final Summit

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews is the continuing story of David Ponder, an average person who has had several experiences that are far from average. The reader first meets David in the book The Traveler's Gift, where David is given the Seven Decisions to help guide his life and the lives of others.
In The Final Summit, David's life has taken a turn he never expected, as he must cope with life as a widower. David has aged since the reader first meets him, and he is dealing with his grief and sudden new life. Once again, though, David is summoned to an extraordinary experience.
Along with many other "travelers," David is swept away by the archangel Gabriel to a summit, the final summit. David is put in charge of this summit, where he is given several rules and advisors to assist him as he tries to answer the question put forth by Gabriel. The questions is what does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization. He is allowed to request aid from his advisors as well as five pre-chosen travelers. The group also has a limited time to complete the discussion and come up with the correct answer.
David and his fellow travelers contemplate many answers and discuss many items that are important in reaching success: hope, courage, self-discipline, and more. As they discuss options, the travelers also get to know one another and learn about their lives.
Andrews has a way of making an unbelievable story perfectly believable. I felt I know Churchill, Lincoln, and Dr. Carver as well as I knew David Ponder. He creates personalities about the characters that draw the reader into their stories and make one curious to know more about them.
The philosophical and religious debates about what humanity needs are also well-written and made me think deeply about my own personal convictions in many areas.
Andrews has written a thoughtful, timely story that I plan to share with my friends. His work is inspirational and practical at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Life, New Story

Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious uses the stories of biblical women to show that it is possible to change your perspective and your future regardless of your past and current circumstances. Through inspiring stories of biblical figures such as Naomi, Deborah, Hannah and Elizabeth, Silvious shows that all women have a choice. We can decide to follow our own stories beginning today. To begin with, we have to decide that today is the day we want to move on from our past stories and begin fresh. We have to stop allowing the past to distract us from the present. We need to learn to focus on the here and now and work on our hearts and attitudes. Although the past helped to shape us into the women we are now, it does not have to control the women we continue to be. This book is all about growth and making the decision to walk with God, allowing Him to guide you into your story.

Each chapter is centered around a biblical woman and a principle to apply to your life. Silvious tells the story of the Bible characters, as well as sharing more recent, applicable stories revolving around the theme for that chapter. At the end of the chapter, there are personal reflection questions, journaling ideas, and group discussion questions. This book was designed as a ten week small group study, and it lends itself nicely to that format.

I think Silvious does a nice job sharing both biblical and modern stories. I related to the women as they struggled to overcome their past and focus on their present. She does a nice job tying the stories to the attitudes and thoughts of the women involved, showing the mindset and relationship with God these women had.

I would recommend this book to all women who want to feel that there are others who share their struggles dealing with the past and becoming the people they want to be. It would work well with a small group, but also lends itself to individual reflection. The stories are well written and the Bible references are appropriate to the stories. Silvious supports her themes with Scripture, and gives the references to allow women to delve more deeply into the Bible on their own.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Power Based Life by Mike Flynt

I had never heard of Mike Flynt before I picked up this book. However, as I read about his life and his convictions, I remembered that he was the man who returned to college football at the age of 59 to complete his senior year. He mentions his college playing days in his book The Power Based Life: Realize Your Life's Goals and Dreams by Strengthening Your Body, Mind, and Spirit. However, that is not the focus of the book. This book talks about different areas that can become power bases for you to help you live a more loving, productive, healthier life. Flynt discusses aspects of life such as mindset, visualization, commitment, compassion, and more.

For each aspect of life, Flynt dedicates a chapter to define what the aspect means to him and how it can be cultivated to better your life. He talks about its impact on your life and practical ways you can learn from yourself. Flynt also references Scripture and the impact God's word should have on you as you become the best person you can be.

I appreciated Flynt's honesty and style of writing as he shared personal stories of his past to help the reader understand grace and the idea of overcoming your past. However, at times, his writing almost felt too optimistic and preachy. In several chapters, it seemed simplistic. If you would just follow his advice and read your Bible, you would be able to make the changes he has made in his life, and your outlook will be better. I felt that his intentions were good, but sometimes it sounded too simplistic and trite. There is more of a struggle to improve in the areas he talks about than he lets on in some of his writing.

Overall, the book is worth the read. Some of the advice is practical and adaptable to your particular situation. He extols the virtues we know we should have, and he frequently ties wellness into a relationship with God. He challenges readers to work toward becoming better people and investing in goals, relationships, and spiritual facets of life. I appreciated his purpose and found the book enjoyable, although I would have liked more practical advice in some areas. I would recommend this book in particular to people who are athletically-inclined and need some motivation to work toward self-improvement.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”