I wasn't sure what to think when I agreed to read this book but I thought that with a forward by Donald Miller it had to be interesting.... and it is.
Some parts of this book made me weep, think, laugh, and inspired me. All of it was interesting. There was a part of me that marveled at this guy -- he really is living in an abandoned way that I think most Christians envy; imagine saying "yes" to opportunities where most of us would make excuses for or tell out kids, or ourselves, no?
On page 209 (of an ebook on iPad) he writes "I know it sounds goofy, but I want to be like that Jeep. I want to leak from having been hit by Jesus. From having something crazy happen to me, something that flipped my life upside down. I've met people like that, people who leak Jesus. Whenever you're around them, Jesus keeps coming up with words and with actions. I don't suppose everybody gets hit by Jesus, but those of us who have talk about him differently. We start steering funny; we start leaking where we stand. And it's because we got thrown from our lives in a terrific collision."
On another page, (237) he writes, "For those who resonate with formulas, here it is: add our whole life, your loves, your passions, and your interests together with what God said He wants us to be about, and that's your answer. If you want to know the answer to the bigger question -- what's God's plan for the whole world? - buckle up: it's us.
We're God's plan, and we always have been. We arent' just supposed to be observers, listeners, or have a bunch of opinions. WE're not here to let everyone know what we agree and don't agree with, because, frankly, who cares? Tell me about the God you love; tell me what He has inspired uniquely in you; tell me what you're going to do about it, and a plan for your life will be pretty easy to figure out from there. I guess what I'm saying is that most of us don't get an audible plan for our lives. It's way better than that. We get to be God's plan for the whole world by pointing people toward Him."
This book is filled with real, thoughtful and fun stories that illustrate his title: Love Does. It is an action. Loving people means doing, and trusting God in all this craziness enough to say "yes".
I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Love Does - Thoughts
I wasn't sure what to think when I agreed to read this book but I thought that with a forward by Donald Miller it had to be interesting.... and it is.
Some parts of this book made me weep, think, laugh, and inspired me. All of it was interesting. There was a part of me that marveled at this guy -- he really is living in an abandoned way that I think most Christians envy; imagine saying "yes" to opportunities where most of us would make excuses for or tell out kids, or ourselves, no?
On page 209 (of an ebook on iPad) he writes "I know it sounds goofy, but I want to be like that Jeep. I want to leak from having been hit by Jesus. From having something crazy happen to me, something that flipped my life upside down. I've met people like that, people who leak Jesus. Whenever you're around them, Jesus keeps coming up with words and with actions. I don't suppose everybody gets hit by Jesus, but those of us who have talk about him differently. We start steering funny; we start leaking where we stand. And it's because we got thrown from our lives in a terrific collision."
On another page, (237) he writes, "For those who resonate with formulas, here it is: add our whole life, your loves, your passions, and your interests together with what God said He wants us to be about, and that's your answer. If you want to know the answer to the bigger question -- what's God's plan for the whole world? - buckle up: it's us.
We're God's plan, and we always have been. We arent' just supposed to be observers, listeners, or have a bunch of opinions. WE're not here to let everyone know what we agree and don't agree with, because, frankly, who cares? Tell me about the God you love; tell me what He has inspired uniquely in you; tell me what you're going to do about it, and a plan for your life will be pretty easy to figure out from there. I guess what I'm saying is that most of us don't get an audible plan for our lives. It's way better than that. We get to be God's plan for the whole world by pointing people toward Him."
This book is filled with real, thoughtful and fun stories that illustrate his title: Love Does. It is an action. Loving people means doing, and trusting God in all this craziness enough to say "yes".
I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.
Some parts of this book made me weep, think, laugh, and inspired me. All of it was interesting. There was a part of me that marveled at this guy -- he really is living in an abandoned way that I think most Christians envy; imagine saying "yes" to opportunities where most of us would make excuses for or tell out kids, or ourselves, no?
On page 209 (of an ebook on iPad) he writes "I know it sounds goofy, but I want to be like that Jeep. I want to leak from having been hit by Jesus. From having something crazy happen to me, something that flipped my life upside down. I've met people like that, people who leak Jesus. Whenever you're around them, Jesus keeps coming up with words and with actions. I don't suppose everybody gets hit by Jesus, but those of us who have talk about him differently. We start steering funny; we start leaking where we stand. And it's because we got thrown from our lives in a terrific collision."
On another page, (237) he writes, "For those who resonate with formulas, here it is: add our whole life, your loves, your passions, and your interests together with what God said He wants us to be about, and that's your answer. If you want to know the answer to the bigger question -- what's God's plan for the whole world? - buckle up: it's us.
We're God's plan, and we always have been. We arent' just supposed to be observers, listeners, or have a bunch of opinions. WE're not here to let everyone know what we agree and don't agree with, because, frankly, who cares? Tell me about the God you love; tell me what He has inspired uniquely in you; tell me what you're going to do about it, and a plan for your life will be pretty easy to figure out from there. I guess what I'm saying is that most of us don't get an audible plan for our lives. It's way better than that. We get to be God's plan for the whole world by pointing people toward Him."
This book is filled with real, thoughtful and fun stories that illustrate his title: Love Does. It is an action. Loving people means doing, and trusting God in all this craziness enough to say "yes".
I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Here's Lily
I got this book because I thought that my daughter would enjoy reading it. It really is for an older child (maybe fifth grade and up) Lily is in Jr. High and the book talks about stuff that affects mostly this age group. Still, it is a good book that I think a jr. higher would enjoy reading. I think that Lily is a character that many girls can identify with and learn from and the situations she faces are common in school and relationships.
If you have a girl that is around fifth grade and up, I bet she'd really enjoy this book.
If you have a girl that is around fifth grade and up, I bet she'd really enjoy this book.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Empty Promises
I was excited to read Pete Wilson's newest book Empty Promises, because I really enjoyed Plan B, his release a few years ago.
Empty Promises is all about idolatry and even if you don't think you struggle with idolatry, you probably do! It sneaks in there so subtly. Pete Wilson discusses several things that can be idols in one's life: achievement, power, approval, money, beauty, chasing a dream etc.
It is a very honest, practical book with lots of illustrations from Pete's own life and the folks he counsels and are his friends. I found myself often seeing my own flaws and issues and realized that I have made things, even good things, idols in my life when Jesus should hold that place.
I think this is a book that nearly everyone would enjoy. The writing style is candid and easy to read and he offers much hope and grace and a way out of this quest for "empty promises." I am confident this book will help many reflect and realize that the things they pursue to make them happy or content or liked or successful will only leave them feeling empty.
On page 22 Pete Wilson writes: " Jesus is continually inviting people to give up their idols and follow him. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is worthy of our whole devotion. He alone has the authority to forgive all of our sins. He alone has the wisdom to guide our whole lives. He alone leaves us invigorated rather than exhausted, at peace rather than anxious. He alone has the power to fill the gnawing inner emptiness we all experience and bring purpose to each and every day that he sees fit to grant us as a gift."
Amen.
I received this book through Booksneeze Blogging program from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.
Empty Promises is all about idolatry and even if you don't think you struggle with idolatry, you probably do! It sneaks in there so subtly. Pete Wilson discusses several things that can be idols in one's life: achievement, power, approval, money, beauty, chasing a dream etc.
It is a very honest, practical book with lots of illustrations from Pete's own life and the folks he counsels and are his friends. I found myself often seeing my own flaws and issues and realized that I have made things, even good things, idols in my life when Jesus should hold that place.
I think this is a book that nearly everyone would enjoy. The writing style is candid and easy to read and he offers much hope and grace and a way out of this quest for "empty promises." I am confident this book will help many reflect and realize that the things they pursue to make them happy or content or liked or successful will only leave them feeling empty.
On page 22 Pete Wilson writes: " Jesus is continually inviting people to give up their idols and follow him. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is worthy of our whole devotion. He alone has the authority to forgive all of our sins. He alone has the wisdom to guide our whole lives. He alone leaves us invigorated rather than exhausted, at peace rather than anxious. He alone has the power to fill the gnawing inner emptiness we all experience and bring purpose to each and every day that he sees fit to grant us as a gift."
Amen.
I received this book through Booksneeze Blogging program from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Jesus Experiment
The Jesus Experiment, by Bill Perkins, is subtitled: What Happens when you Follow in His Footsteps. An intriguing title so I was happy to begin reading it. It is a book that challenges against the status quo of society and as I read it, I started to feel a bit guilty of certain things and failings in my life. I think this would be an excellent book to read in a community group or a group where you can honestly discuss life and challenge each other to live and follow Jesus and what that means today.
Prior to this book I've read Perkins' Six Rules Every Man Must Break and while it also was a good book, I think I prefer this one.
Prior to this book I've read Perkins' Six Rules Every Man Must Break and while it also was a good book, I think I prefer this one.
Surprised By Laughter
I love CS Lewis so I was excited to read this book. It didn't disappoint. It takes a serious look into the life of Lewis and what shaped him and what he shaped as well. It's about 450 pages and is quite well-researched. The end of chapter notes and bibliography is impressive and he does CS. Lewis justice in his portrayal of him and his works.
If you are a C. S. Lewis fan, you will love this book and if you aren't a fan, you will still enjoy this curious look into the life and mind of a great Christian author.
If you are a C. S. Lewis fan, you will love this book and if you aren't a fan, you will still enjoy this curious look into the life and mind of a great Christian author.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
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
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
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