Friday, November 23, 2012
What on Earth am I Here For?
What on Earth am I Here For? by Rick Warren is an updated version of The Purpose Driven Life. Warren updates his classic for a new generation. Now for each section of the book, there is a video introduction and an audio Bible study. There are also two new chapters and access to online communities to discuss all of the concepts in the book.
This book is a reminder that regardless of our circumstances, our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. We can do this through our ordinary lives; in fact, we are commanded to do this through our ordinary lives. We are to glorify God through all of our actions, thoughts, and behaviors. Each one of us had a part in God's Kingdom, through His grace, not because we deserve it. Our greatest privilege in life is to honor God.
The book is divided into six sections. The first section is basic information on God, His Word, and our role in life. Each of the remaining five sections discusses a specific purpose we have in this life: to give God pleasure, to be part of God's family, to become like Christ, to serve God, and to carry out a mission. The chapters are written in easy to understand language and provide Scripture references. Each chapter ends with an anchor verse and a question to consider to allow us to consider how the purpose applies to us. If the reader takes time to devour the information and prayerfully consider the questions, we will be able to better understand our purposes.
The book also provides discussion questions to allow for its use in a small group study. Overall, the book is a helpful resource and helps remind us how we can best fulfill our roles in God's Kingdom. I would recommend it to those new in the faith, as well as Christians who need to feel refreshed in their faith.
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.”
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont combines art and creativity to help readers see the power of God in their lives. Patsy tells amazing stories of broken lives given purpose and discovering the love and power of God. She shares some of her own deeply moving stories, along with stories of family, friends, and others to show the reader that there is hope in brokenness. God is a God of love, and he can demonstrate that regardless of any situation we find ourselves in. We are sinners, but he still loves us. And because God is so powerful and loving, he is able to use the broken places in our lives to the benefit of ourselves and others. Through this brokenness we feel our need for Him and we find purpose in investing in others. Patsy has a wonderful way of making the reader feel like she is in the room with her. This book is written as old friends speak: the reader forgets she is reading a story, and feels as if someone is speaking directly to her. There are many examples in this book that help the reader relate to any struggle in her own life. I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with feeling accepted or loved. It is inspiring to see how brokenness can draw you closer to God.
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.”
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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.”
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.”
Monday, April 18, 2011
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.”
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.”
Saturday, April 16, 2011
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.”
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.”
Monday, April 11, 2011
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.”
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.”
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