Book Review, December 8, 2009
THE GREATEST STORIES OF THE BIBLE,
NELSON PUBLISHING
This is a unique publication. It is actual scripture (New King James Version) but arranged in story format. It would be an AWESOME gift for any family. You can pick it up and just read a story at a time – and you are reading authentic scriptures not rewritten!
It is also unique in that it is created to look like an antique book – even the pages look antique. It would be a wonderful coffee table book. But even more than that I can see families using it for daily family reading.
There are 250 stories. Examples are : Jesus’ “Firsts’” from John 1:35-3:21 or “Reversal of Time” from 2 Kings 20:1-11 or “David Flees Jerusalem” from 2 samuel 15. or “Final Victory” from Revelation 22. I hope this wets your appetite to read further.
I cannot say enough to urge you to have this book in your home. It is well done but, in addition to that, I love anything that leads us to open the word of God and get to know our God in a personal way
DeRAILED by Tim Irwin, Ph.D.
It seems we are wise when we learn from our own mistakes, but how much better it is when we learn from someone else’s mistake.
Dr. Irwin helps us along with this concept by giving us living examples of some whose mistakes reveal what to do and what not to do to be an effective leader. He profiles the collapse of 6 CEO’s whose failures have led to their demise
My first thought in receiving this book to review was “this is irrelevant to me – I am not seeking a career or even part of the workforce” However after reading De-Railed I realized it is a road map to success for anyone: for successful strategies to leading a family; to leading any organization, no matter how small: to develop the kind of personality that people enjoy. In other words – keys to a successful life!
I do believe it should be required reading for Pastors and anyone aspiring to a position of leadership.
He points out that derailment many times comes about from failure in four critical areas: Authenticity, Self-managment, Humility and Courage. Competency without character can lead to disaster. In addition to IQ – a leader must have high CQ (character quotient).
I highly recommend this book for quality reading. You will see parallels to your life in keeping your own “train on the tracks” to avoid a disastrous de-railment.
My own thoughts are that, in fact, to stay on the track and avoid derailment starts on the inside in a relationship with the Master Engineer.
Book Review, November 10, 2009
BEAUTIFUL MESS, by Diamond Rio
with Tom Roland
I love the title of this book. It summarizes the story of Diamond Rio in 2 words!
I found it a little hard to stick with it in the beginning – not sure what to expect with the story of the failed concert. However as the story progressed I realized there is a great deal of grit, endurance, heartache and loyalty that led up to that day. As the story continued to the point of their success you see the hand of God. There had to be a guiding hand that kept them together through the losses of confidence, physical impairments, failed marriages.
I would like to have heard more of the story of the later years when they signed with Word. There must be much more to be said about their rise in the field of Christian music.
This book would be especially encouraging to the musicians who are on the uphill battle. It lays out the difficult path that lies ahead for the aspiring musician who hopes to achieve fame. It also tells you “just don’t give up, no matter how things appear any one day – it can change tomorrow!”
We can all fit the category at some time in our lives of being a “Mess”, but only God can make us into a Beautiful Mess.
Book Review, October 20, 2009
“Green” by Ted Dekker
I am conflicted in my review of this book. On the one hand it is a very graphic, fascinating bit of story-telling, but I found myself confused at times – I would have to go back and review the characters at times to figure out what was happening.
I had not read the first books of the Circle – and I think that is the reason for my conflicting viewpoint. I would definitely recommend reading the first three books of the series first. I think then you could appreciate the innuendoes and could follow the action easier.
I enjoyed the very real descriptions of the differences between good and evil. The evil was so completely described that I was a little uneasy reading it – however I’m sure it is a true sampling of the unseen evil world we deal with.
I was disappointed in the ending – I was expecting a spectacular thrilling, exciting victory befitting the outcome of the winning side of good – involving a celebration of “green”.
To summarize – it is a dramatic, well written piece of fiction – but suggest you start by reading Black, Red and White, first
I will always read Ted Dekker – he has an amazing mind and ability to fantasize.
Book Review, October 5, 2009
FIND YOUR STRONGEST LIFE
By Marcus Buckingham
“Find Your Strongest Life” by Marcus Buckingham was a disappointment to me as a mature christian grandmother. He certainly is on the right track of humanistic thinking. If you haven’t learned that our purpose in creation is to Worship God and live a life that is pleasing to him – then his advice could be of help. But speaking as one “who has been there and done that” – there is no true happiness and fulfillment apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Having said that – for the woman who has learned that her happiness and fulfilment is found in Jesus Christ – the guidelines in the book to find your strengths and follow them could be helpful. It could be helpful to the woman who is young – working and balancing ( or imbalancing)career and family. He suggests you think about the things in your life that are your strong moments – identify them and then follow them. Don’t make assumptions about your strengths. He does give you a guideline to help you determine your personality type.
I really cannot recommend this book to the “every woman” in my neighborhood. It might be helpful to the upwardly mobile yuppie type. But I emphasis that it is not the answer apart from a relationship with Christ.
Book Review, September 17, 2009
CALLED TO WORSHIP by Vernon M. Whaley
Called to Worship is a serious and very complete study on the subject of Worship. Plan to spend some time and absorb this thoughtful treatise on every aspect of worship.
Mr. Whaley takes you on a journey through the entire Bible beginning at the “beginning”. ..The worship of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, the Judges, the Kings – The Psalms, the Books of Wisdom, Psalms and Prophetic Books. He then follows with the Principles of Worship throughout the New Testament. In each division he summarizes the lessons learned.
There is so much more than facts in this book. The spirit that is on every page that causes you to reach out to God – to express your love, obedience, and honor to the King of Kings. He makes you comfortable in the mode of worship that comes natural to the reader – and still challenges us to move out of our comfort zone as we express our feelings to our Lord.
He covers the subject of the “Worship Wars” – which started when Satan tried to take over the place of God – and continues more subtly today as “self” reigns on the throne wanting its own way – convinced that we know THE right way to worship!
It is a book I highly recommend – but don’t hurry through it. It deserves time to dwell on the pages and allow THE Worship Leader, Jesus Christ to teach you what real Worship is all about.
BOOK REVIEW.,September 8 2009
FEARLESS by Max Lucado
IMAGINE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT FEAR
The timing of the publication of this book is proof in itself of a loving God who cares about you and I. He birthed this in Max to be completed at a time when multitudes of people are losing their homes and investments; the threats of terrorism face us in the newscasts everyday: The C word has touched most of our lives in one way or another.
We fear loss of loved ones – jobs- children-homes-money in the bank-sickness and death. All the time Jesus Christ is saying to us “Don’t be afraid…take courage I am here”. Max gives chapter after chapter of assurances from Christ that He can be trusted…”Fear not..Do not worry about your life, what you will eat…or what you will wear…nothing can separate us from the Love of God…do not let your heart be troubled. etc.
He clearly gives the antidote to fear. It is faith! – Trust in a loving God who is interested in every area of our life. I love his illustration of sitting on his father’s lap while driving (not on a public road!!) with his hands on the steering wheel – all the while his father’s hands are actually doing the steering. We need to let God do the driving – then there is nothing to fear.
Tags: Inspiration