Tuesday, November 27, 2012

My Review of Fully Alive by Ken Davis

Admittedly, I didn't enjoy reading this book as I thought I would.

While I immensely enjoy non-fiction, real life, personal accounts of life, etc., I found that the author focused a bit too much on his weight loss in the book.  Maybe I'm just biased because I have so much weight to lose.

Some of the stories he told were heart warming.  I also enjoyed finding some humor in almost every chapter. I feel, for me, some of the experiences that Mr. Davis talks about in his book, for me, personally, feel unattainable.

I enjoy Mr. Davis' sense of humor and, even more so, the demonstration of the love that he has for his family.  It made me long for a healthy, Godly, Father/Daughter relationship with my own father and, admittedly, made me envious of some of the blessings that Mr. Davis has encouraged in his life.

Albeit a little bit disappointing, I did enjoy this book as Mr. Davis has a way of speaking to the human heart and not just to the human head.  My spirit needed touching and this book definitely did that.  The 'real life' stories make God's blessings seem more tangible and closer to us than we may imagine.  They gave me glimmers of hope through some recent dark times.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Monday, August 27, 2012

My Review of One Big Thing - Phil Cooke

I don't know how many aptitude tests I've paid to take.. how many Guidance Counselors I've sat down and brainstormed with.  I've written endless pros and cons lists... endless 'to do' lists... and done many years of soul searching... and yet... here I find myself at a fairly advanced age (an age where most people should at least be THINKING about retirement) and STILL I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.


I've had friends and family tell me how much potential I have and how many gifts God has blessed me with and yet.... I can't find my passion.  That one 'thing' that drives me.  The thing that I would do and enjoy doing.

Phil Cooke's book "One Big Thing" is clear and concise.  It's not a corner cutting book.   It's not a book that will tell you what job you're meant to do.. but it will help you search inside yourself and discover your destiny for yourself.

It's a book that sheds a light and takes an honest look at who we are, what our passion is and what we were MEANT to do.  You'll discover the difference between your dreams and your destiny.

I know.. believe me.. after many years of praying for God's vision of my life.. God doesn't respond to you with an audible voice.  Sometimes it's merely a whisper.. or a nudge... a tip or a hint from a friend.  A job listing in the local newspaper that, at any other time, wouldn't have even caught your attention.

I chose to review this book because I'm tired of taking jobs just because I have to pay bills and get by.  I'm tired of not having a career.  Tired of doing work that I don't truly enjoy and have a passion for.

I enjoyed this book.  It wasn't complicated.  Every chapter was thought-provoking and made me re-think my perception about a lot of things in my life.. many of the choices that I've made and the reasons behind me making those decisions.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up but I can honestly say that after reading this book, my vision is a lot clearer.

It's time to slow down and do your own thinking again.  Stop counting on computers... friends... even God to do the work for you.  Discover your passion.  You have one.. or maybe even more than one.  This book will help you find your passion, hone in on and it use it to pursue your dreams and, finally, be happy with what you're doing and who you are.

Finally... a book with balance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”








Thursday, June 28, 2012

My Review of By Faith, Not By Sight - Scott MacIntyre

My apologies.  I haven't blogged or reviewed in a while.  I've been down with a sore back for a few months.

I really enjoyed this book.  It impacted me deeply.

It seemed, in the beginning of the book, like Scott was getting sucker punched by life at every single turn.  Things happened to him that would bring a giant to his knees but Scott soldiered on and he did it with faith.  He did it with his head held high.

This young man has scaled emotional mountains that I could only stand in front of, mouth agape, probably in complete despair.  Even with several health issues and no eyesight, Scott graduated from school and became a recording artist.  I remember watching American Idol when Scott was competing for the title.  I couldn't tell that he was blind by looking at him. Knowing that only served to make my goose bumps bigger.

Scott has a passion that runs deeper than someone who is not visually impaired could not even fathom.  I felt ill at ease realizing how many mole hills in my own life that I had turned into mountains.  Insignificant little problems... that could easily have been overcome.  I felt ashamed knowing that rather than using my road blocks as stepping stones like Scott did, I was using them as walls.. to block my way and having several pity parties along the way.

Scott's story is honest and raw.  I could practically hear his heart beating as he stood on stage in front of the American Idol judges.  The way his story is written draws you right inside.  It's as though you're standing beside him living life with him the whole way through.

This young man is an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with.  I will think of him and his journey whenever I find myself getting down in the mouth over something insignificant.  I admire his strength.  I admire his character and I enjoyed taking his journey with him.

Despite the darkness, despite health problems, despite rejection ---- Scott MacIntyre found his voice, shared it with the world and never stopped singing.

If you're facing trials.  If you're in the midst of them right now.  If your valley seems dark and unending, I suggest that you read this book.  It will help you to find a strength deep within you.  It will help you to find a faith you never knew you had.  It will help you walk with your head held higher and be thankful that we have such a faithful, merciful God.  At the end of the day, it may even make your mountains look more like mole hills.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, March 19, 2012

My Review of Great Day Every Day Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose By Max Lucado

Admittedly, I am a bit biased as I LOVE Max Lucado's work. His writing style captures the emotions of the moment. It's as though you know exactly where he was and what he was feeling when he wrote a chapter of his book.

His words, like a soft sword, cut through to the core of my heart ever single time.

This book speaks of the futility of worry and anxiety and the absolute beauty of trusting God. It's about turning any day in to a good day, no matter how it started.. about finding something good in something ugly and/or painful.

As usual, his book is interspersed with a sense of humor that is unique to Max. I had no choice but to laugh at myself and the absolute senselessness of wasted emotions when all I need to do is trust my Creator. I know I will read this book many more times and use the tools provided within its pages in order to turn my weed days in to garden days.

I hope all who read this book find it as big a blessing as I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, February 23, 2012

My Review of I Am A Follower - the way, truth and life of following Jesus by Leonard Sweet

This book was provided to me free of charge through the website Booksneeze.com.
This is the first book of Leonard Sweet's that I have read. I'm somewhat of a creature of habit and tend to stick to material by the same authors but I'm glad I broke out of my comfort zone.
Since becoming a Christian in 1992, it's always been important for me to 'get ahead' and 'reach down to others'.. leading them to Christ. In honesty, Jesus became my sidekick. I wasn't His disciple. I treated Him as somewhat of a santa claus, hooking up when I wanted or needed something or in times and situations of great desperation.
I Am a Follower opened my eyes to the importance of 'following' as opposed to leading. It brings clarity to the part in the Bible where Jesus asks His disciples to pick up their crosses and FOLLOW Him. This book is well written and easy to understand. I find that it would be best suited for a Pastor or another 'leader' in a church but I'm glad I read the book.
I will likely read more books by this author in the future.
Here's to letting go of the reins and following.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”