I Am A Follower

I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth, and Life of Following Jesus by Len Sweet is quite thought provoking. I think that most people are comfortable with the word and concept of leaders and leadership, but this book really is focusing on the followers. Whether you agree or like it or not, it is an interesting book, well written and well researched. The best thing about Len Sweet books is how he really challenges the status quo and one's own thinking as well. 


I think you'll either love this book or hate it.... but you will definitely emerge more informed and challenged by it. 


I liked it. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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

December 1941

I love reading books on history and this one did not disappoint! Each chapter tells the story of a single day of ..... well, as the title suggests, December, 1941. I couldn't put this book down, but when I did, it was eagerly snatched up by my 12 year old son and I had to wait a bit to get it back. He also (he reads books well beyond his grade level) enjoyed this and learned so much about the war, the over 500 pages really didn't scare him away at all since it was such an interesting read. This would be an excellent book to give to a history buff or any friend who enjoyed reading.

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

Max Lucado Inspirational Reader

If you are a Max Lucado fan, you will love this and you'll probably love it even if you aren't! This volume is simply beautiful; rich, thick pages, hardbound with a stylish and simple cover and inside selections and paragraphs taken from many other Lucado books, all organized by topic. (Evangelism, God's love, Jesus, etc.)  If you've not read Lucado's books before, this most likely will entice you to read further! Here's a little excerpt:

"God's trust makes us eager to do right. Such is the genius of grace. THe law can show us where we do wrong, but it can't make us eager to do right. Grace can." - In the Grip of Grace

This would be a wonderful Christmas gift and it looks impressive as well. I quite enjoyed it.


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 

STUCK

This is an 8 week study course for women that is beautifully packaged. Inside the box is a DVD with the 8 study videos, a Study Guide, promotional materials, and a leaders guide. Also a set of cards with practical application questions that help facilitate discussion.

My women's small group is so excited to be starting this series. We talked a bit about it and we all voiced that we've felt or even still feel stuck in our life in a variety of ways and wish to move past this. So, we're looking forward to embarking on this study and seeing where it takes us.

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.”

Fiction? But what Truth!

Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald is a book that I wanted to read on my kindle and I'm grateful. I found it to be so timely and meaningful in my life and wonder if it is for many others and their churches. Basically the main issue is how can the church train not just leaders but deep people, people with substance that will disciple others and cultivate a congregation of people that love God and spur others

This is a fictional exchange between the pastor and his congregation and elders where at a ballgame he's asked "What's your church's Elevator story?" Not sure what this really is he asks and finds out that its what you say while on an elevator, in a limited amount of time how can you succinctly and persuasively tell why your organization is so important or valuable. In the process of figuring out what's the church's elevator story, he realizes that the key is training and having "deep people. "Deep People" is from a Richard Foster quote that another characters gives the pastor, it says, "

The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." -Richard Foster" 

So GMAC sets out to figure out how the best way to cultivate "deep people' In his congregation, what works and what doesn't work.  

He brings up some really great and insightful things. One of the exchanges I especially resonated with was on page 108-109: 

Mercedes got very serious all of a sudden. She leaned toward me and said quietly, "This is one of the things that has always bothered me about how some people treat the church, Pastor Mac. Because we don't want to offend anyone in the church, we do no ask much," she said. "People in the church come and go as they please; they arrive late, leave early, maybe not show up at all. They are asked to to prepare things, and often they do not. They are challenged to get into the action, but they sit back and let someone else do the work. No one can respect an organization like that.  "If people here acted like a lot of people do at church.... Let me be honest with you: I'd have to fire them or be fired myself. Yet everyone at church says that what we do there is the most important thing. We talk about life and death, God and Heaven, eternity..... abundant living. Forgive me Pastor Mac, but it sometimes seems to me that people are lying to one another... just saying meaningless words. What gets your top loyalty shows what you really believe." (bold emphasis my own)  I enjoyed this book.

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.”

Why Men Hate Going to Church

This is an updated and revised edition of a book by the same name. I think it is worth updating, because I think that there are new additional factors why men don't want to attend church. In Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow he dives into the question of why there are fewer men attending church these days. In part 1 he talks about "where are the men" and in Part 2 he talks about how the culture has influenced why men don't like church. In Part 3 he discusses what the church can do to bring back men and reengage them in church. Here he discusses how the church can go about attracting and keeping men in the church.

While at times I found it rather stereotypical, I do think that the author has done his homework and this is a very real problem in church culture that needs to be addressed. Because of this, I think this is an excellent book for church leaders to read and understand how many men view church so they can assist them. A healthy church really does have good male role models and the involvement of men, not just in leadership but also as participants in the pews.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Booksneeze!

Heroes and Villains of the Bible

Heroes and Villains of the Bible is not exactly the book I expected and yet, I really enjoyed it. First, it is a children's book and my son wanted me to request it. Unfortunately, I downloaded it on my kindle as well as my laptop. On the kindle, it misses all the color and illustrations. This is a huge drawback! I recommend getting the print book if you have a black and white e-reader like I do.

This is written for 9 to 12 year olds and I was surprised by how much actual scripture is in this book! It really lets the Bible speak for itself and then it sums it up with a "hero" or "villain" snippet, such as the case of Stephen being stoned, the "moral" of the tale is: "Heroes forgive because they know they are forgiven."

If you have a child that thinks Scripture is boring, I recommend this book. It is nearly an older version of a "storybook" yet in a real Scripture translation. It is about 250 pages and recounts the lives of 50 Biblical heroes or villains of the faith. I can't wait to let my son read this, as I am sure he'll enjoy it as much as I have.

I was provided with a free copy through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a favorable review.

360 Leader

I haven't read many John Maxwell books so I was very impressed by this book! it is very thorough and well laid out. In 360 Leader, John Maxwell writes about "Developing your influence from anywhere in the organization" and like I said: VERY THOROUGH.

He begins the book with some myths that many believe about leading, then goes into the challenges leaders face. Luckily he then goes into how to lead better in circumstances and the more practical applications of leadership. He wraps it all up with resources and the value and reasons why to be a 360 degree leader.

Wonderfully written with amazing insight and experience, this is a book I can see anyone finding value in, regardless of the organization or your role in it. I loved this book.

I was provided with a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

More Lost than Found

More Lost than Found is a book by Jared Herd that looks at why Christians are leaving the church and Christianity.

I think a passage near the beginning of the book states what one can expect from reading this book:

"In these pages, I'm inviting you on a path that moves away from a faith that is just about agreeing with a set of beliefs. That first path, the one that tries to put a tidy bow around life, can suppress our human frailty because it rushes to answer questions and fill in blanks. In fact, there's almost a panic that comes, right? The tidy path can offer us some certainty and a degree of comfort, but it cuts short a genuine spiritual journey before it ever begins.

Have you ever talked to a Christian who gave a scripture answer to a tough question? If they had answered  your questions with less certainty and more honesty, would you have believed them more? the way Christian faith is most often expressed in our culture doesn't offer us tools for the spiritual journey, instead, it's much better at giving us scripted answers so we can opt our of our spiritual curiosity. But I don't mean to lay all the blame at the church's stoop."

I've read several books that convey the same message, a shift towards postmodernity where people are seeking spiritual guidance, want something more than just rules to follow and something they can earnestly experience.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, but I didn't see eye to eye with it often. Still, it is worth reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® 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."

Surprised by Oxford

I wasn't sure what to expect by this title, Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. First, I didn't realize it was as long as it was when I requested it, but that was fine because..... it is so beautifully written and so insightful that I stayed up all night to read it! In fact, this is already on my list of books to purchase for Christmas Gifts for some of the "academics' in my life that are interested or attended Oxford, or simply are infatuated with it.

It seems that many don't believe that Intellectuals still would entertain seriously the thought that God is real, but as this memoir points out, people do and in fact, Jesus is one of those subjects that everyone has an opinion about and many are still actively seeking truth, even in places like Oxford.

This, at its heart, is a conversion story but one that is beautiful and romantic and honest as well. It is long but so well written it is a joy to read. This is an encouraging book, one that I want to share with others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

With

I must say, the title "With" didn't make me want to read this book but I'm so glad I did! With is the name of a book by Skye Jethani and in it he points out four ways churches and Christians are in error in their attempt to follow or experience God.

The four ways are:

Life Over God
Life From God
Life For God and
Life Under God.

As I was talking with a friend about this he mentioned that it's all about balance, but the author points to the answer as life with God, which is a relationship with God.

I thought this book did a great job of mentioning the pitfalls that each of the four positions hold but I don't think that "life with God' is as clear cut as it seems. Still, an excellent book.

I was provided with this book by Thomas Nelson for free. I am not required to write a favorable review.

Our Last Great Hope

I was fortunate enough to read the Last Great Hope by Ronnie Floyd. It is a challenging book that is mostly about evangelism, though he touches on other things as well. He encourages evangelism and mission trips, has ideas on how the whole family can get involved, entire churches, etc. He rightly says that this is not an option; the great commission is a command and we are supposed to go out and make disciples.

I enjoyed this book, though at times it came across as guilt inducing. Still, he's right to proclaim a sense of urgency.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze program.

Stained Glass Hearts

Stained Glass Hearts is a book by Women of Faith speaker, Patsy Clairmont. I hadn't ever read a book by her but know several friends that are going to an upcoming Women of Faith event so I was intrigued by this book.

It's an encouraging, easy book to read in a style that is akin what you might here at a conference from a speaker. She's funny, witty, insightful and engaging as she gives hope that it is in our broken pieces that God can create something beautiful.

Much of the book she recounts her own experience. I enjoyed reading about how she was moving and all of the sudden, when she needed it the most, several people showed up to help. Strangers even. And all because the need went out on the church's twitter feed. It reminded me the value and potential social media has.

And that's just one of the stories. She has many and they are all fun to read and with a lot of wisdom in her words. I didn't like the "fluffy" style at times but I still enjoyed reading this book.

Enemies of the Heart

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley is a re-release of It Came From Within, and I think there's a reason it was re-released: Because it is good! Convicting, but really good. In this book Mr. Stanley addresses guilt, anger, greed and jealousy, something I think we all struggle with if we're honest with ourselves.

This is the first book I've read by Andy Stanley and I wasn't sure I'd like it or the subject matter, but it is a compelling book, written in a way that is convicting yet gentle. This is a very practical book and even if you don't think you have a "problem" with these issues, you might be surprised at how subtly these four things creep in and take ahold of life.

J.R.R. Tolkien

JRR Tolkien by Mark Horne is another biography in the Christian Encounter Series. This is a short, "introduction" type biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. It's only about 160 pages and reads quickly, as the subject itself is fascinating. So fascinating that I often was hoping to read more.

If you don't know much about Tolkien, this biography should satisfy you but if you are a LOTR lover, you might wish to choose another biography to read, not because this one was "bad" but because I'm sure there is so much more a longer, more detailed biography would cover.

Still, this short biography is worth reading and will provide you with even more reasons to love Tolkien and want to read (or re-read) his stories!

Jesus, My Father, The CIA an Me

I didn't expect this book to be as riveting or as honest as it was. It was an insightful and interesting view of childhood with an alcoholic father and the catholic religion, as well as the author's personal struggles with drinking and depression. It was beautifully written in a way that was honest yet dignified. 

This was at times painful to read but with such beautiful honesty and without a hint of being sugar coated that I think most anyone would enjoy this book. I know I did. 

Thanks Thomas Nelson for providing a copy free of charge through your booksneeze program. 

To Be Perfectly Honest

I just finished reading To Be Perfectly Honest: One Man's Year of Almost Living Truthfully Could Change Your Life. No Lie by Phil Calloway. Knowing he is a comedian I expected this to be lighthearted and humorous, which it was, yet surprisingly it also touched on many serious aspects of life to ponder. In fact there's even discussion questions, to discuss some of the questions that come up in the book, and surprisingly, I could see this being used in a small group.

The book is easy to read and some chapters are more engaging than others. It is written in a journal style, every day a journal entry is written up. Sometimes rather mundane, sometimes strikingly funny.

This is an easy book to read and rather fun. I don't think I'd enjoy reading many books in this style or format, but surprisingly, this one works and is worth reading.

I was provided with a complimentary copy through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

Max On Life

Max on Life is a great resource book, especially if you like Max Lucado's books and writings. Basically it is a book in sections based on subject matter, then filled with questions folks have asked about the subjects, and then Max's response. I haven't read much of Max Lucado's books, but it seemed like some of the answers were taken from his already existing books. The insight and wisdom is good, and I like the format. I think it is easy to look things up. If you have a question or a struggle or difficulty, this would be a good book to go to and easy to look up and find what he says on the subject. Plus, the answers are not too long, perhaps a page or two, so very accessible and easy to read.

This would be an ideal book to give to someone who has a lot of questions. Max answers in a style that is easy and engaging to read yet with Biblical truths, not just his own opinions.  

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Planning a vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth? This is an excellent resource! In it you will find interesting facts that will impress your kids and friends, as well as all kinds of information. My only wish is that is wasn't so Florida based and gave more information on the original Disneyland in California. I loved the organization of the book and felt it was easy to read and accessible. You will want to spend some time reading this before you enter the park; there's way too much information to learn! Loved this.

An excellent book!

How to be God's little princess

How to be God's Little Princess is a book by Shelia Walsh. My daughter was a bit too young for it, but she loved it anyways. She loves to learn about princessy things and this one is about manners and behaving nicely. She especially enjoyed the part about wearing the tiara, even though it wasn't all that practical. She already knew a lot of manners but now looks forward to moments she can mimic this book. It is really cute and a must have book for your daughter!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.

Sabbath

I had a lot of questions about the Sabbath, so I was looking forward to reading Sabbath by Dan B.  Allender. The first half he dives into the purpose of the sabbath, then goes on to talk about how to observe the sabbath. Though insightful, I was looking for a bit more of a cut and dried dialogue about Sabbath and how to manage and observe it in today's hectic life. I do see the value and merit in observing the Sabbath, but I was hoping for a bit more information.

I'll quote the last paragraph of the book, as it sums it up beautifully:

"The Sabbath is salt and light for the remainder of the week. We are invited to remember the Sabbath all week long nad to anticipate its observance ahead. We are invited to hold on to the delight of creation and the wonder of our deleiverance from slavery. ANd to do so in small, incremental ways that remind us the Sabbath is behind us and ahead.

The Sabbath promises that a day of joy is ahead; it is like the fragrant smell of evergreen wafting with a cool spring breeze. Lord God, deliver us all on to delight for the sake of your warming, comforting glory. The queen is coming and she is almost here. Greet her, and make room in your life for her glory, whic his intended for your honor." Page 194.

If you really are curious about the Sabbath, this book will answer some of your questions, but not all. Still, an interesting and good book.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

A Bug Collection DVD Box Set

It's been a long time since my kids have watched Hermie and Friends, and I wondered if perhaps it was for a younger crowd. My kids are 6, 7 and 11. The stories are cute and well done and the topics in this set are on getting along, prayer and good behaviour. All three disks kept my kids attention, even the oldest, which was quite a surprise. Afterwards we discussed a few things about the video and laughed at some of the antics.
This is a wonderful series and I'd recommend it to others with kids. I have a feeling the 6 and under crowd would enjoy it the most, but it was entertaining to all, even me.

I received this free from Booksneeze and was not required to write a favorable review.

Mere Churchianity

Wow, Mere Christianity by Michael Spencer is a thought provoking book! I didn't appreciate it's negative tone at times, but it definitely made me think quite a bit.

My favorite part was when he talked about Jesus Fandom vs. Discipleship and Refusing to Sell Out.  Here's an excerpt:

"We've come a to something crucial; something that can't be missed or underestimated in significance. Jesus-shaped spirituality doesn't come in a prepackaged consumer edition. And it doesn't grow out of Christianized consumer culture. The Church sign that promises you success if you'll only sign up, join in, attend, participate, and swear the oath is lying. If you're after Jesus -shaped spirituality, you'll discover that it's difficult to find if you keep looking behind the signs and advertisements for the latest product, experience, personality, and worship event. 

Jesus-shaped spirituality for Bob, myself, you and everyone else comes in one form only - in the form of Jesus as we find him presented in Scripture. Jesus hasn't suddenly forgotten how to make disciples, so we can't blame him for the current situation. It's we who are slow to recognize that the life of a disciple doesn't happen at the circus. 

We may want to treat discipleship like a product and the process of knowing Jesus like buying a new car. You won't experience Jesus-shaped spirituality with that mind-set. 

Like a baseball fan, we may be emotional, devoted, willing to sacrifice, and be excited about the game of Christianity. we might even have tender feelings about Jesus. But we won't experience what Jesus said it means to be  a disciple if we engage in all the activities of a fan but never become ball players. It's time to leave behind the life of of a fan and commit to becoming a player. 

Most of the people who have left the church or are still hanging out in the church but not understanding why, already know these things. When Jesus talks about what disciples do, how they see the world and how they live with other people, we realize we've been misdirected. We've been reading the wrong advertisements. 

We may be thought of as lost, but we aren't that far away from being exactly where we should be. We simply have to admit the three ring circus we're living in isn't Jesus' way of making disciples. Consumer Christianity is not what we see in Scripture. Buying a version of faith is not the approach taken by the Holy Spirit to prod us toward Jesus. None of the Jesus-shaped people in history followed a slick, entertaining, success-driven, celebrity-oriented path of  faith  and discipleship. A road populated by massive churches, loud music, smooth-talking preachers, media, and meetings is not the road to Jesus-shaped spirituality. 

If you need someone to tell you it's okay to feel that way and to be on the outside of all this, then here's my hand. I'm glad to meet you. 

Now it's time to take a look at that other road - the narrow, overgrown, largely rejected one - and see where Jesus - shaped spirituality really takes us."  

pages 195-196

This book is worth reading, whether you agree or not. These concerns should be addressed. 

I received this book free from the publisher, Waterbrook-Multnomah. 

Soul Print by Mark Batterson

I looked forward to getting this book, Soul Print by Mark Batterson, because I've enjoyed the author's other books. This one did not disappoint; though at times it came across as more of a "self help" type of book. Though much of what he says is correct: We were made in God's image and we're unique and God made us special, I still left wondering how much of this comes across as a pep talk? Yet... he's right.

He uses examples fro the Bible and they are engaging stories. This is a pleasant book to read and one leaves feeling challenged but uplifted and encouraged.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books for my honest review. 

The Sacred Journey

I read The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster. The subject of pilgrimage is one that I know very little about, so I was eager to read this book. However, I had a hard time getting into this book. Not sure if it was the subject matter or what. Also there were several statements that made me question, but I guess that's what this book was designed to do: Make one think for themselves.

If you are interested in this subject, you might enjoy this book, but if the thought of pilgrimage doesn't excite you, I doubt you'll enjoy this book.

I received this book for review purposes from Book Sneeze and the publisher Thomas Nelson. I was not required to post a favourable review.

Soulprint

Soulprint by Mark Batterson is a book about identity, self-discovery and a journey of figuring out who you are in Christ  and being fulfilled.

In this book he uses several examples from Scripture. It is a very encouraging book, exhorting the reader to remember our uniqueness and how we are the image of God. Though it states clearly this is not a "self help book" at times if feels that way mostly because it encourages and advocates life change.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more books by Mark Batterson. His writing style is concise and quite enjoyable.

Note: Per the FTC Guidelines, I am disclosing that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series

I was so excited to read Scot Mcknight's Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series. I've heard so much about fasting recently and wanted to know more about it. I loved how he says that one doesn't fast to get something, and yet, whenever I speak with friends that are fasting, that is exactly what they want: to get what they want, or a clear vision of something. In the introduction McKnight writes,

"I have come to this conclusion about fasting: when the grievous sacred moment is neglected and instead we focus on the results, fasting becomes a manipulative device instead of a genuine, Christian spiritual discipline. far too much of the conversation today about fasting is about what we can get and not enough about the serious and severe sacred moments that prompt fasting. "

If you wish to know more about yourself and what fasting really means, I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> 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."

Sun Stand Still

Recently I had the chance to read Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible by Steven Furtick. I had heard of Mr. Furtick before, as a dynamic leader and pastor of a fast growing, large church and was excited to read his book, that promised to inspire me to "audacious faith." 

While I'm still working on the "audacious faith" part, I must say that there was so much in this book that I enjoyed and some things that I really did not care for, or perhaps just not ready for. 

I enjoyed the author's personal stories and I enjoyed his emphasis on prayer. I had never really thought that much about the text of Joshua 10 and enjoyed his message. I want to ask God for the impossible and have that transforming power in my life, but I'm still a bit of a skeptic. 

Still, I enjoyed this book, found it quite interesting and inspiring. 

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. 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