20,000 Days and Counting

20,000 Days and Counting

 

Have you ever thought about how long you have been alive?  Labeling it in years may not seem too dramatic, but when you think of how many days you have been here on earth, it becomes much more alarming.  This book was a true eye-opener into how we spend our days.  Have I accomplished the things I set out to accomplish?  Am I making a difference in anyone's life?  Do I live my life as though it could end tomorrow?  These are all thought provoking questions that are addressed in this book by author Robert Smith.  Think about the people in your life who have made the most influence-they chose not to sit on the sidelines while everyone else pursued the game of life.  They chose to take advantage of each moment they were given as though they realized they may not have a second opportunity to live that moment again.  And in reality, we don't have any do-overs in life.  We are daily writing our life's script, and there are no backspaces or delete buttons once the ink has touched the paper.  However, we can purpose to make the most out of the days that follow. 

No one wants to think about dying.  But until we accept the fact that we will not live forever (at least here on earth), we cannot truly grasp the importance of each day.  Each day adds a new tally mark to our life total, but are those tally marks adding up in value?  This book is a quick read (less than two hours) but it is packed with thought provoking questions that will get you focused on things that truly matter.  Because whether we are given 18,115 days or 30,552, each day counts.  Each moment matters.  And there are no adding extra tally marks at the end. 

 

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookSneeze.  The opinions expressed are my own. 

Jesus: A Theography

Jesus is time.  He is every yesterday and all tomorrows; a continual connection between the Old Testament and New Testament (Sweet and Viola, 2012).  It is this premise that sets the tone for the book.  The story line begins before the Garden and carries us all the way to Heaven's splendor, and Christ's fingerprints are left upon every detail.  From Genesis to Revelation, you will find Jesus throughout the Scriptures.  Just as John 1:1 tells us that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," the authors show how Christ "is all, and in all" (Col. 3:11 KJV). 

The authors had a writing style that conveyed their thoughts in a practical way.  The reading was not difficult, but by no means was this book based on opinion or written as an afterthought.  There are over 80 pages of notes and footnotes to support the truths of God's Word.  The author used many quotes from other authors which provided a truly enjoyable read on what one would think to be a difficult topic.  The authors recreated scenes and situations from the life of Christ that allowed the reader to have a more personal view of who Jesus really was.  This book could be read alongside Jesus in Context: Background Readings for Gospel Study by Darrell Bock and would allow the reader to truly understand more about the life Jesus lived.  This book allows you to open the pages of God's Word and have a deeper knowledge of Christ which will cause you to fall in love with Him in a greater way.    

I received this complimentary book from BookSneeze.  The opinions expressed about this book are my own.

New Photo Editing Website!

So I found a new photo editing website that I think I'm gonna like.  I played around with a few pics and this is what I came up with:

Jack, Henry and Thomas before church last Sunday.

Thomas at the ball game.

Thomas at the ballgame.

Henry in the front yard.

 

Loving PicMonkey.com!

Love the Movie, Love the Book

52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life by Bob Welch

                                                                

For anyone out there who remembers the smile in young Mary's eyes when she sets her heart on George Bailey, or for those who still think about angels' wings every time a bell rings, this book will strike a chord in your heart.  With 52 quotes from this timeless Christmas classic, Bob Welch takes us down memory lane right through the heart and soul of Bedford Falls.  Each short chapter relives a moment while at the same time applying a practical application to the reader. 

Remember this:  "Oh, look at this wonderful old drafty house.  Mary!  Mary!" (George Bailey) How important our perspective is, as George Bailey looks past what he sees on the outside and looks deeper into the potential of what could be.

Or what about this: "A toast...to my big brother, George.  The richest man in town!" Harry Bailey here reminds us that our riches lie in our friendships  and those with whom we choose to surround ourselves. 

If you love It's a Wonderful Life, you will love this inspiring, uplifting book that highlights 52 of the best quotes from the movie.  It would also serve as a delightful gift to family or friends.

I received this complimentary book from BookSneeze.  The opinions expressed about this book are my own.

Jack at Kids on Stage

Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll

Not for the faint (or blushing) of heart...

In today's culture, we are accustomed to bluntness.  For some, that would mean a lack of tact, but in the case of this book, the bluntness can be appreciated by a married couple.  The book, Real Marriage, is sectioned into two parts-The Emotional and The Physical, the latter being the one that makes us squirm with uneasiness, simply due to the explicit nature of it all.  The first four chapters deal with the issue of openness and willingness to communicate.  Too many marriages end in divorce (and some continue in unhappiness) because of a failure to communicate respectfully.  The Driscolls are quick to point out that it's easy to communicate through harsh words lacking the care and compassion to hear the other person and truly understand his or her standpoint, but in essence, lack of care and compassion is a lack of communication in itself.  The crux of the issue is dealt with in Chapter 5 which addresses the paths that lead to divorce.  It is easy to find the faults in our spouse and even easier to overlook our own. 

Chapter 6, which opens the second part of the book, is a look at Church leaders and theologians of the distant past (Tertullian, Ambrose, Gregory of Nyssa, Chrysostom, Augustine) and their views of the physical relationship between a husband and wife.  Chapters 7-8 walk the reader through the darker issues of marriage including past sexual abuse and pornography and how these issues can destroy and end a marriage.  Not only can these issues destroy a marriage, but they can destroy a person's right view of the marriage relationship.  Chapter 9 is a very detailed depiction of the Song of Solomon Chapters 6-7 and the relationship of the married couple, while Chapter 10 steps into the uncomfortable questions that many people ask within the married relationship. 

These chapters and this book are not for the timid or shy...but maybe it could and should be.  It is not written from a scholarly standpoint but rather, in plain, layman's terms.  The final chapter culminates with Ecclesiastes 7:8 and encourages married couples to make the end of their marriage stronger than the beginning.  A married couple can choose to grow apart as the years grow, or they can choose to grow together and strengthen their relationship by becoming a picture of oneness not only in the physical aspect, but in the emotional and spiritual as well. 

The opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze.com.

Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald

Although this book by Gordon MacDonald was written about a fictional church, the concepts and ideas can be applied to any congregation today.  MacDonald does address the issue of a shallow Christianity and how it can be overcome.  The book was an interesting read, but I am more apt to take away from a book that has been written about a real group of people who face real opposition.  I do feel like it was a book that might be helpful to a pastor or a Discipleship minister, but there are numerous Sunday School books and Spiritual Development books that address the issue without having to read a fictional scenario.  I don’t know that the small group approach is the most beneficial way to disciple a group of people as much as expository preaching from the pastor would be, but one might see this as an opportunity to strengthen those in leadership positions. 

I am glad to see so many authors today focus their efforts on discipleship and producing a pure Christianity that seeks a more intimate relationship with Christ.  There are places where the dialogue is too long and seems and forced. I think the idea of the book could have been more abbreviated than the length that it was, but that does not keep the message of the book from sounding forth crystal clear.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program for this review, in exchange for my honest review.

Our Last Great Hope

Our Last Great Hope by Ronnie Floyd is by far one of the most convicting books I have ever read.  Chapter after chapter, I would lay down the book and feel a tugging to get started in an immediate way.  Page by page I was captivated by the urgency to fulfill the Great Commission.  Line by line my heart was touched with story after story of people who went in faith and shared Christ.  Word upon word, my eyes swelled with tears as I realized how vast and important this task is for Christians.  Ronnie Floyd creates an ‘atmosphere’ that inspires, no, convicts individuals to truly carry out the duty of the Great Commission.  It isn’t in building bigger buildings or organizing better programs, it is about taking our resources, our finances, our prayers, our efforts, and gearing everything that we have and everything that we are to reaching those who are lost without Christ.  Of almost 7 billion individuals in the world, 9 of 10 have never trusted Christ; and it is estimated that every minute, 120 people are born who are likely to never even hear the gospel.  That should stir a desire in us to take the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission to our families, our neighborhoods, our cities, our country, and our world.  As a Christian, I feel that this book will be a life changing read for anyone who reads it. 

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.

Jack's 1st Touchdown

The Blessing

The Blessing by John Trent PH.D. and Gary Smalley

As a parent, I was very intrigued as I read this book.  It really addresses parenting from a Christian perspective.  Learning to love your children is an important task, and this book addresses that very issue.  Parents only have one opportunity to raise their children, and it is crucial to give our very best in that God given responsibility. 

Although the book is a slow read in Part 1, Part 2 really digs into the nuts and bolts of the five elements of the blessing which include meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special feature, and an active commitment to follow through. 

The first two elements were very similar in nature to Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages.[1] It was amazing to read how loving our children through a meaningful touch affects the physiological as well as the emotional self.  Story after story presented examples of lives that were affected by either the receiving or the denial of this element of the blessing. 

This book gives you an opportunity to reflect on your parenting style and whether or not your children are receiving The Blessing.  It also encourages one to really reflect on their childhood to understand either why they are or are not passing on the blessing. 

I am thankful to have read this book.  I think that it will provide me with a better understanding of helping my children find their self worth. 

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.

---

[1] Dr. Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages (Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 2004).

Jack and Henry running the bases after the Nashville Sounds game

Beyond Talent

In another profound book by John C. Maxwell, the reader comes to grips with the reality that talent alone does not make a success story.  Talent must be paired with direction, determination,  and diligence to really reach one’s potential.  Although everyone has equal value, not everyone has equal giftedness, and in his book, John Maxwell points out the ways that different people became success stories by tapping into their own potential.  They found their strengths and built their talent around that.  Maxwell encourages the reader to develop the talent you have rather than the talent you  want. 

Each of the thirteen chapters is carefully crafted with stories of individuals who realized their strengths and developed them to become successful people, whether it be success in the workplace or success in life.  The book is laid out as somewhat of a student book that allows you to reflect on the subject matter of the chapter, the principles taught, and gives the reader an opportunity to answer questions about his or her personal work ethics. 

For anyone who desires to become greater in whatever aspect of life they desire to excel, this book is a great choice.  Life consists of the choices that we make, and this book can serve as a guide to make right choices in developing your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses.

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

Jack's T-Ball

Author Max Lucado has done it again. The author of books such as Facing Your Giants and Outlive Your Life has captivated audiences again with his new book, Max on Life. Max Lucado takes the time to answer questions that cover an array of topics. Questions about heaven, death, guilt, and many other things about which we often wonder. How do I overcome grief after losing a child? How can I seek the right mate? What is the purpose of worship? Max Lucado answers each question in his very personable, easy to understand way. This author has always been able to paint a picture with his words, and this book is no different. He uses scripture to address these very tough questions. The topical index and Scripture references found in the back of the book are also very useful in finding the information you are looking for.
After reading this book, you will want to read it again. And again. It is the encouragement for the weary heart or the downtrodden soul that needs a word of peace and understanding when facing difficult situations. The questions were asked, and Max Lucado responded. This is an easy read that anyone would enjoy.
I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Time with God for Fathers

Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman is a great gift idea for the male role model in your life. It is filled with three months worth of 2-minute devotions. Each day pairs a Bible verse with a unique insight targeted specifically to fathers. The book is a well crafted hard cover with a page marker. The book also includes 6 sections in the back regarding prayer and where to look in the bible in different situations. It covers things from the scriptural responsibilities of fathers to biblical examples of fathers. The final pages in the book are for personal reflections and notes which makes this a complete all-in-one prayer and devotional book for dads.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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

Eat Your Peas for Mom by Cheryl Karpen

If you love your mother, then this is a must-have book. Sometimes it is difficult to really say what you feel inside about the appreciation you hold for this special lady in your life. This book is the perfect solution to that problem. Eat Your Peas for Moms by Cheryl Karpen is a heartwarming read in the simplest form. All of those things that you meant to say or wanted to say are found in the pages of this book. Cheryl Karpen was able to pen these words from a child's point of view and speak straight to the heart of a mother. It can be read time and time again any time a mom needs a quick 'pick me up.' Whether the child is young and living at home or grown and moved away, this is the perfect 'card' for a special occasion for mothers.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone

I was captivated from the moment I opened the package.

This has truly been one of the most comprehensive accounts of the Bible and it's history that I have ever read. Even the pages seem so delicately crafted, and as I turned each one in anticipation, I learned one more fact about this precious book-The Bible. The Story of the Bible takes us on a journey through history and gives an account of those who paid the price. From the Lollards of the fifteenth century who taught the authority of the Scripture over the authority of the priests (who were burned alive with Bibles hung around their necks) to Rachel Saint in the 1950s who translated the Gospel of Mark into the Waodani language (the same people who brutally murdered her brother Nate and four other missionaries-which included Jim Elliot)-the stories were captivating. If one had any doubt regarding the fight these early Christians faced, this book will be a strong reminder of the value of the book we hold so dear.

I was amazed at the ease of reading the book provided. Each sentence was filled with so much information, yet it was written on a level that could easily be presented to a child. It would almost serve as a textbook on the History of God's Word. From the quality of the book to the quality of the words contained in its pages, The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone is a must read for anyone interested in the history of the Bible.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tithing by Douglas Leblanc: Personal Examples of a Biblical Truth

The book"Tithing" by Douglas Leblanc is a great compilation of stories about God's blessings on those who tithe. The practice of tithing as supported in this book show that tithing has no denominational boundaries. People from all walks of life and those who hold differing doctrinal beliefs all seem to have one truth that binds them together- "God blesses those who tithe." The stories found within the pages of this book are stories of people with a true passion for Christ, and it is not just in word, but in deed as well.

The one thing this book lacks is a true sense of why tithing is imporant. The book was very strong in displaying the end results of what God will do for those who tithe, but there was very little Biblical referencing to the act of tithing. It is an encouraging read for those who may be questioning whether tithing has its benefits, but it would have been more effective had it given a stronger biblical foundation for it. I was expecting this to be somewhat of a commentary on the concept of tithing and giving, but all in all, I found it to simply be an intimate display of those who were faithful to tithe and see God follow through in His faithfulness to provide.

I received this book free from thh publisher through the 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 DFR, Part 255.

The Beginning Reader's Bible

The Beginning Reader's Bible Illustrated by Marijke ten Cate is a vividly illustrated book. The bible stories are truly captured in each brush stroke. The layout of the Beginning Reader's Bible is a wonderful concept. It gives children an opportunity to take a passage of scripture, then find ways to 'act' upon it. An example is in the very first story, the story of Creation. It gives the scripture, it goes on to give a verse to memorize, it gives an activity to complete, and it gives a short prayer that you can pray that correlates with the scripture. The stories compiled in this bible are from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This children's bible really stands out from other children's bibles because it lays out a reading chart and allows the child to note the date the passage was read, but more importantly, it gives the plan of salvation, which is not always so common in a child's bible. There is a memory verse chart, lyrics to a few common children's songs, and other really helpful Bible background information.

Now, having said all this, it may be difficult for some parents to get past the actual translation this children's bible uses. There are many very common passages of scripture that would be considered timeless or well known, and this translation contains many differences that may be hard to get past. For example, the first two lines of Psalm 23 read as, "The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need."

Overall, this bible may have been more effective if the passages weren't set up as actual scripture, but rather, the telling of the bible story.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.

Fruit of the Spirit: Love by Calvin Miller

"God is in love with us, and his love is totally without merit. His love has nothing to do with neither the good we have done nor the time we have given him in prayer and adoration. God is love!" This is a summation of God and His love for us, and Calvin Miller beautifully displays God's love in his six week study, Fruit of the Spirit: Love. It is the first book in his series, "Fruit of the Spirit." This six week study is a very practical study of love. It is not filled with deep theological concepts, but rather, it is an easy application of cultivating spirit driven character. This book would even be a great tool for a new convert or young Christian trying to develop an understanding of how to be more like Christ. Calvin Miller has written a very no nonsense devotional book that would be relevant for an individual or for group study, as this book was designed to accompdate either. The devotions are easy to read, and the length is not overwhelming. Anyone who is searching for a practical way to understand and apply the first fruit of the spirit, love, would find this book full of meaning and relevance.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.