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Saturday, August 17, 2013
The Prodigal Comes Home - Michael English
My story of failure and God's story of redemption. This is not a pleasant story to read, but then again a man destroying himself is never pleasant. After being on top of the CCM world, the author admitted to an affair with a fellow Christian singer, and a pregnancy. After that began an addiction to pain pills and alcohol that lasted even after rehab. Michael had gone just about as low as one could, before discovering God's grace and forgiveness in a new and fresh way. This is his story with all the dirty and gritty details and how he found God to be loving and forgiving. His description of withdrawl from drugs should convince anyone who reads it to never get addicted in the first place. At several points you will say, "Why couldn't he just walk away from temptation?" Or, "there is the point he should have just said no." It's easy to say that in hindsight, and not being emotionally involved.
I have heard it said that stories are written either as an inspiration - Do what these people did, or a warning- Don't do what these people did. I believe this was written as a warning to others what may happen if temptation is allowed in our lives.
Before you say this could never happen to you, keep in mind that we are still fallen human beings, capable of sin in it's many forms. And we are all capable of falling this far from God, and being forgiven and accepting of God's grace.
This story should be an inspiration to someone who is addicted or who feels God can not accept them because of what they have done. Some will look at Michael's story and see a hypocrite, but others will see someone who has been forgiven and has come back to the Father.
I have heard it said that stories are written either as an inspiration - Do what these people did, or a warning- Don't do what these people did. I believe this was written as a warning to others what may happen if temptation is allowed in our lives.
Before you say this could never happen to you, keep in mind that we are still fallen human beings, capable of sin in it's many forms. And we are all capable of falling this far from God, and being forgiven and accepting of God's grace.
This story should be an inspiration to someone who is addicted or who feels God can not accept them because of what they have done. Some will look at Michael's story and see a hypocrite, but others will see someone who has been forgiven and has come back to the Father.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Open - Craig Gross
What happens when you get real, get honest, and get accountable. The author is creator of x3watch accountability software that can be used with a friend or group for accountability purposes. This book is divided into three parts Part 1 Why, - why have accountability? because it is safety, good, deep and necessary. Part 2 is What, - what we need, we need honesty, courage and help. Part 3 is How, - how to make it happen, get involved, get intimate, and get effective. This is not a book to be passive about, it requires, and demands action. There are resources for putting a accountability group together, and how to do it.
The theme of this book is realizing your need for accountability. We all need it to really live free and open. Free from lies, deception, second guessing, and guilt. Every man needs this whether he realizes it or not.
I found this book to be an easy read, with useful and practical guidelines.
By joining or creating an group, and using the resources available, you can live open.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of review.
The theme of this book is realizing your need for accountability. We all need it to really live free and open. Free from lies, deception, second guessing, and guilt. Every man needs this whether he realizes it or not.
I found this book to be an easy read, with useful and practical guidelines.
By joining or creating an group, and using the resources available, you can live open.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of review.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Sticking Points - Haydn Shaw
How to get 4 Generations working together in the 12 places they come apart. There is a foreword by Stephen M.R. Covey and the author has created a workshop by Franklin Covey called Leading Across Generations. The Washington Post recently called the author a "Leadership Guru."
It is an interesting fact that this is the first time in history that there are 4 generations in the workplace. Mr. Shaw identifies 12 areas in which there are generational differences, and how to bridge the gap. Part one is Understanding the 4 Generations, with a chapter on each. Part Two gets into the 12 sticking points such as communication, loyalty, policies, meetings and work ethic, and how each generation views the subject.
No matter what generation you may fall into, there will be something for you to earn about your own and other's generations. I found it to be an interesting read and far from a dry book about doing things the "old way" vs. the "new way." Using humor and personal examples, rather than just polls and opinions, the author keeps the reader's interest.
He begins Chapter 2 with the history of sociological changes that have happened in this country. This book boils down to one quote on pg. 17 "We all speak English, and most of us didn't grow up in different nations, so this shouldn't be hard." He is right it shouldn't be hard, but frustrations and prejudice can lead to stereotypes, and there lies the problem.
There is a paragraph on pg. 21 about wearing ties in church that is interesting. The idea of flip-flops is also seen as a generational statement.
Website for author is www.mygenerationalcoach.com.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to bridge the gap between the 4 generations, and find out how they think and view this world, especially in the workplace. It may lead to understand yourself or your co-worker a little bit better.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale for the purpose of review.
Published by Tyndale House Publishers.
It is an interesting fact that this is the first time in history that there are 4 generations in the workplace. Mr. Shaw identifies 12 areas in which there are generational differences, and how to bridge the gap. Part one is Understanding the 4 Generations, with a chapter on each. Part Two gets into the 12 sticking points such as communication, loyalty, policies, meetings and work ethic, and how each generation views the subject.
No matter what generation you may fall into, there will be something for you to earn about your own and other's generations. I found it to be an interesting read and far from a dry book about doing things the "old way" vs. the "new way." Using humor and personal examples, rather than just polls and opinions, the author keeps the reader's interest.
He begins Chapter 2 with the history of sociological changes that have happened in this country. This book boils down to one quote on pg. 17 "We all speak English, and most of us didn't grow up in different nations, so this shouldn't be hard." He is right it shouldn't be hard, but frustrations and prejudice can lead to stereotypes, and there lies the problem.
There is a paragraph on pg. 21 about wearing ties in church that is interesting. The idea of flip-flops is also seen as a generational statement.
Website for author is www.mygenerationalcoach.com.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to bridge the gap between the 4 generations, and find out how they think and view this world, especially in the workplace. It may lead to understand yourself or your co-worker a little bit better.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale for the purpose of review.
Published by Tyndale House Publishers.
Monday, July 15, 2013
I Call Shotgun - Tommy Newberry and Curt Beavers
Lessons from Dad for navigating the roads of life. This is a book of letters that the authors have written to their sons on various subjects, things they have learned in their own lives and lives of others. There are 64 chapters each with a different theme covering everything from politics, economics, marriage and humility. Some I expected like Follow Your Passion, Work Harder, and Think Huge. Encouraging words fro a father to son. Some were unexpected, but welcome, such as Believe in Free Enterprise, Treasure America's Personality, and Laugh at Political Correctness. The change of fonts in the print edition makes for a nice break in the reading.
These chapters can be read in order, or skip around to topics of interest. Each 2-3 page chapter stands on it's own and is a quick read. There are also conversation starters for each chapter for father and son. The concept of the book reminded me of a book I read a long time ago called Letters to Phillip.
The authors are fathers of boys, and included subjects they believed the sons would need growing up and beyond.
I would recommend this book to fathers of sons of any age, and to sons who need this advice that is so lacking in this day and age. With chapter titles such as Worship God, Not the Earth, and Laugh at Political Correctness, the authors are obviously advocating conservative Christian values, and taking a stand against what is so popular right now, and that is refreshing.
These chapters can be read in order, or skip around to topics of interest. Each 2-3 page chapter stands on it's own and is a quick read. There are also conversation starters for each chapter for father and son. The concept of the book reminded me of a book I read a long time ago called Letters to Phillip.
The authors are fathers of boys, and included subjects they believed the sons would need growing up and beyond.
I would recommend this book to fathers of sons of any age, and to sons who need this advice that is so lacking in this day and age. With chapter titles such as Worship God, Not the Earth, and Laugh at Political Correctness, the authors are obviously advocating conservative Christian values, and taking a stand against what is so popular right now, and that is refreshing.
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