Seeing The Unseen - Randy Alcorn

A 90 day devotional to set your mind on eternity. Let the hope of eternity shape your life today. Randy has a great way of reminding us to have an eternal perspective with how we live our lives here on earth. In fact, his ministry is called Eternal Perspectives Ministry. The website is www.epm.org, and features many resources. Each day has a brief narrative based on scripture, Perspectives from God's word, direct quotes from the Bible. And Perspectives from God's people, quotes from authors such as John Piper, A.W. Tozer, Augustine, Spurgeon, and C.S. Lewis, among many others. And there is also a reference to a resource at the end of every chapter also. I found this to be a very readable devotion, and have enjoyed Randy's other books, especially If God Is Good, and Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Seeing what is unseen is key to living the Christian life and having faith. Randy has a unique background that you can read about on his website, and is strongly involved in the pro-life movement. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a devotional that focuses on eternity.
I have have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The Satisfied Soul - John Piper

120 daily meditations, showing the supremacy of God. Great reminder that only God can satisfy your soul. A word to the readers begins this book and speaks to the importance of not just books, but paragraphs and sentences that can make a difference in a person's life. This is one of those books, Meant to be a companion volume to Piper's other book, Taste and See, featuring short chapters that can be read as a daily devotional. I actually prefer the shorter chapters, bursts of concentrated wisdom to think about. the purpose of the book is to "reorient you to the eternal rather than the popular."
These selection are actually are selected from previously published work titled, Pierced by the Word, Life as a Vapor, and A Godward Heart. They all stress God's sovereignty through scripture and meditation on God's Word. There is also a subject, person, and scripture reference to easily find something that you have read, and want to go back to. John Piper is founder of www.desiringGod.org, which is a great resource for learning more about the sovereignty of God. And the purpose being"to help you find truth, purpose and satisfaction that never end." God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, is am ongoing motto of his ministry.
I look forward to reading this devotional daily and referring back to the subjects when needed.
I would recommend this rich book of observations for anyone looking for a solid daily devotion with short chpters that can be easily incorporated into your day.
Published by Multinomah, a division of Penguin Random House.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The Treasure Principle - Randy Alcorn

Unlock the secret of joyful giving. I must admit first that Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors. So, I have read most of his non-fiction work and enjoyed all of his previous books. This one is no exception. Randy is founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries and is unashamedly pro life. His whole idea of life is to build treasures in heaven and always keep in mind an eternal perspective. The Treasure Principle is updated and revised from a previous edition, but is still timeless. Included is a new preface and added chapter among other features. Also included are 31 radical, liberating, questions to ask God about your giving. In the first chapter he lays out his on going theme - You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. That is an eternal perspective.
I have received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Only Negotiating Guide You'll Ever Need - Peter B. Stark & Jane Flaherty

101 ways to win every time in any situation. This is a revised and updated version that was originally published in 2002  under the tile - Everyone Negotiates, 101 Winning tactics. Recommendations from Brian Tracy, Harvey McCay, and Jack Canfield are on the back cover of the book.
This book claims quite a feat, claiming to be the only book you will need on a subject, but it does contain many great tips and, more importantly, real scenarios to demonstrate. The first point they make is that everyone negotiates, whether they realize it or not.
Pat 1 deals with the skillful negotiator, defining negotiation, possible outcomes, and a negotiation assessment to test your skills. Also in the first part area chapters on on-verbal behavior and buildnig trust, two very important subjects that are sometimes overlooked.
I enjoyed this book, having read a lot of these tactics before, probably from the previous edition, and found many ideas that can be used in everyday life. I would recommend this book to any one that needs to negotiate, and that would be just about everyone. Published by Crown Business, www.crownbusiness.com.
I have been sent a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

How Music Works - David Byrne

Many people know David Byrne as the founding member of Talking Heads. This book reveals another side of him, intelligent and and well crafted history of music and technology. It will appeal to the musician in that he goes into detail of how he made some of his recordings, finances and technical parts. It will also appeal to the non-musician in revealing what music is all about. Very enjoyable and well researched, it is a fresh volume in so many other books about "rock stars" lifestyle and tell all books. Not what you would expect from someone who had some of the 80's biggest hits, and who's music is still popular now.
Of particular interest to me was his growing up and how he experimented with musical sounds and recording. It may be the first time some readers have heard the names and stories he mentions in this book.
All in all a very enjoyable read for the musician or non-musician. Anyone who wants to know how music works.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.