One of these days I’ll write a blog that’s not a book review. I’m really enjoying having my evenings and weekends free to read. I have a good one for you this time. When I saw the precious smiles of the Kenyan children on the front of this book, I knew I had to read it. I grew up on missionary stories though, so I have high expectations. I didn’t honestly expect to enjoy this one. It surprised me.

A Dream So Big is about the Peifer family, Steve, Nancy, JT and Matthew. In 1998, their world changed forever when Stephen was born, and went back home to Heaven just 8 days later. Looking for a change to help with the grief, the family signed up to spend a year at a boarding school in Kenya for missionary children. The book chronicles that  year and the journey that took them back to Kenya full time. It is smart, real, and funny. Filled with anecdotes about healing, hoping and learning a new way of life. Some of the greatest portions are emails to supporters, recounting all the family was learning. The Peifers opened their hearts to Kenya and had no idea their dream would grow into something much bigger – they now assist schools all over the area in providing lunches for students and building computer labs to teach new skills.

Even if you’ve never had a desire to go to Africa, this book is for you. It’s about much more than one family’s experience in a third world country. It was a great reminder to me that God puts us in the exact places we need to be, and uses all the little pieces of our story to prepare us for the good works He has planned. In Steve’s words, “There is nothing special about being a missionary. What is special is finding out what God has called you to do and doing it. Which means there is a special story in all of us that needs to be sought out and given a forum.”

Whatever your dream is, I believe this story will inspire you to keep fighting for it. You won’t regret reading 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.”

What’s Your Mark? is a different kind of book than I usually review. This one combines photography, design, scripture and stories in a thought-provoking little read. It shares the stories of individuals who are using their gifts in their own way to share the love of Christ. There are stories from individuals who are well known, like Mark Burnett and Dan Cathy, and some whose lives are a little quieter, but no less influential. Those featured are doing incredible things. I love the diversity of their stories. I love that each individual is such a great role model for readers. The stories are interspersed among The Gospel of (can you guess?) Mark. Each sections ends with a question to think about . . . all to help you process what you have been given that can leave a mark when given back to God. I like keeping this one in my car so I can read and ponder a little section before work each morning. The stories are told beautifully and the creativity of the layout truly makes it an enjoyable read. What else is there to say? It’s good. It would make a great graduation gift, too, for the graduate who is starting out on the journey of discovering how God will use them.

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.”

From the moment I saw the cover of Wisdom Meets Passion, I knew I needed to explore it. The creativity didn’t stop at the cover, either. Inside the typeface was black and orange, laid out pleasantly and interspersed with quotations from a variety of individuals.

The content of the book was familiar: life and career advice. However, this was a fresh take. Dan Miller co-authored the book with his son, Jared Angaza. The title refers to the stereotypical focus of the two generations, and how together they are better than apart. We need to the wisdom that comes with working hard for a long time, but we also need the excitement that comes with doing what we love. The perspectives of the authors combined offer readers something to relate to regardless of age. And this is no dry self-help book. There are stories throughout, sharing concrete examples of how to apply the principles for a meaningful life. The book is also incredibly well-researched, including statistics and theories that give readers the confidence that they are getting the best information. Whether you are looking for new opportunities, or already in a place of contentment in your life and career, I would encourage you to read this book. Chances are it will open your eyes to something you haven’t thought of before, whether it’s the ideas to facilitate creativity, or the perspective of a generation you don’t belong to.

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.”

I have always been a lover of missionary stories, so I couldn’t wait to read Marcia Moston’s book Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle-Class Housewife. Marcia, her husband and their daughter made a move from New Jersey to Guatemala and this book is a memoir of their adventures. It follows their months in Central America and the journey that led them to ministry in Vermont.

Marcia recounts stories of God’s faithfulness as she struggled with the idea of leaving her comfortable middle-class life to pursue mission work. It is a very real account of the struggles the family faced in learning a new culture. The Moston family saw God’s provision again and again as they learned to follow Him even when it seemed crazy. Marcia learned that the same God that led the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land leads His people clearly today.

This book is an easy read, and contains many encouraging gems that I believe anyone can relate to. Each chapter has a theme or lesson, and they are quite profound. One of the tidbits that struck home with me was, “It’s difficult to get your mind around trust. You just have to do it.” That’s really the message of the book, and it’s one that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. I am a firm believer that a good story is one of the best ways to influence others. Marcia does a great job of sharing the stories that inspire us to trust no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

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.”

Today I get to share with you about one of my favorite books that I’ve had the opportunity to review. Grace, by Max Lucado released earlier this year. Lucado is one of my favorite Christian authors, and once again he has outdone himself. Grace is a concept that we refer to constantly in the Christian faith, but Lucado’s question is how many of us really understand what it is? The book explores the many facets of what Lucado calls “God’s best idea.” As usual, it is an easy to read volume, filled with poignant examples to drive the point home. It won’t take long to read, but it takes time to digest. You will want to go back over it again and again.

Most of the book dealt with what our response to God’s grace should be; how it changes us when we begin to understand it. One of the most meaningful chapters to me was the one that dealt with our identity as Chosen Children.  Here’s a reminder that I needed:

“You are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your Father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table.”

I know the messages this book holds are ones that we are all hungry for. I posted the above quote on my Facebook page and it garnered quite a response. I highly recommend it, either to treat yourself, or maybe as a meaningful Christmas gift for someone that seems to have it all. They will be touched by the lessons and encouragement Lucado offers.

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.”

Today I bring you a different kind of review than I have written in the past. I have been receiving for the past couple weeks a daily reflection from The High Calling. This is a website dedicated to “everyday conversations about work, life and God.” It’s a normal e-devotion, really. Starts out with a scripture, than a few of paragraphs offer a related thoughts, and it closes with questions to think about and a prayer.

I appreciated the subjects in the devotions, such as faith, love and thankfulness. The writers usually gave poignant, real life examples that helped the scriptures really sink in. Some of the devotions were more meaningful to me than others. A few times I felt that they relied too heavily on “Christian-ese,” that is, that they were a bit trite in their examples and proposed action steps.

I personally could not keep up with the daily emails, and so it quickly became overwhelming to my in-box. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend signing up for the daily emails, but I would highly encourage exploring the High Calling website, as many of the article there were especially meaningful to me. Most of the content seems geared to adults older than I, though I was able to relate to many of the themes having to do with vocation.

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think:
http://www.thehighcalling.org
 I will tell that so far, one of my favorite articles on the site has been “Got the Job, but Not the Dream.” It would be a great place to start your exploring.

Everything is by grace.

That is the message of Mondays With My Old Pastor, and one that we all need to be reminded of on a regular basis. The book reads in narrative form, and is the story of the author’s journey through a discouraging time. He began to meet weekly with his pastor friend. The book contains the wisdom that his pastor shared, which restored and encouraged Navajo.

As someone going through a discouraging time myself, I found the perspective and wisdom in this book very encouraging. Each chapter is a lesson, beginning with “you have incredible value to God.” At times something seemed a bit off about the book, or maybe it was a little more Christianese than the books I’m used to reading. Two things could account for this: age and culture. Generationally I think older adults tend to see things more spiritually. There is certainly a lot to be gained from this perspective. The book was also originally published in Spanish. Perhaps cultural differences account for part of the what I noticed as well. Either way, the book stretched my perspective in the best of ways. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who is searching or a new believer, but for a Christian who needs encouragement, there is a lot to be learned from 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.”

It was perfect timing for my next Booksneeze book to arrive on Monday with the Olympics in full swing (and it also happened to be my birthday, so it gave me something to do!) This time I had requested Lopez Lomong’s story: Running for My Life, but I had no idea what an incredible story I was about to read. I finished it in two days.

Lopez’s story begins in a South Sudan village, from there, as a six year old, he was kidnapped by rebel soldiers and taken to become a soldier himself. After awhile, he escaped with three other boys. They ran for three days until they found themselves in Kenya, and were taken to a refugee camp, where Lopez lived for the next 10 years. It was during this time that his dream of running in the Olympics was born. When he was 16, Lopez was given the opportunity through a Catholic charity to come to the US as a foster child. Here, he was able to get an education, and train under the coaches who made his Olympic dream a reality. Now an American citizen, Lopez carried our flag in the Beijing Olympics four years ago, and this year will run for gold in London.

Throughout his story, I was blown away by the perspective that Lopez kept. He was raised in a Christian home and even as a young child recognized that God was protecting and providing for him. It was amazing to see how God guided him step by step to a place of recognition, where he can have a great impact. Part of the dedication of his book says, “To all the children left behind—may their voices be heard through my words.” Lopez partners with World Vision to provide clean water, nutrition, education, and health care to Sudanese children, a unique platform he has as an Olympian. He is truly being a voice, and inspires others to be as well.

I found the book challenging and encouraging, as I think anyone who has struggled to understand God’s plan will. The proceeds of the book go to support the Lopez Lomong Foundation, so I would encourage you to pick up a copy or two. I guarantee you it will change you, and make an excellent gift for someone else as well. This is a story that needs to be shared.

Lopez is running today in London. You can follow him on Twitter @LopezLomong for updates. Also watch for his story in a Visa Commercial as you watch the Olympic coverage.

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.”

I’ve now read all three of Phil Cooke’s books and the core message of each one is very similar. Phil is great at helping individuals or business leaders figure out what exactly it is that they want to do, and how to do it well. While Branding Faith and Jolt focused mainly on how organizations can succeed in this, One Big Thing is all about finding your personal passion and learning to pursue it well.

If you’re at all familiar with Phil, than you’ve probably already heard him talk about at least portions of the content of One Big Thing. I think the greatest strength of the book is that guides the reader through a series of questions, which will help reveal the readers’ passion, even if they cannot name it from the top of their head. As always, Phil shares many personal experiences, as well as others’ quotes and stories to support his points. The content is well-researched and can be read in-depth or easily skimmed because of the breaks between points. It is great to digest at your own pace. I would say even if you have a job you love this is a great book to remind yourself of why you do what you do. I recommended it to a friend before I even finished, and now I say to you: it is well worth the read, and there is still hope for you to find your One Big Thing.

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.”

In my semiotics (the study of signs as communication) class a couple years ago, we defined idols as, “anything that is valued as a sign above what it stands for.” Put simply, any time we give a good object, action or person more stock than what God meant it, we are worshipping it in place of God. God’s good gifts easily become idols in our lives. We even discussed how the Bible often becomes an idol for Christians—how often do we revere the book without actually doing what it says? After all, the power is that it is God’s Word to us. I found myself pondering this conversation often as I read Pete Wilson’s Empty Promises.

At first I was a little skeptical to read Empty Promises, mostly because I feared it would just heap guilt on me for my spiritual shortcomings. Of course, this was a silly fear, (probably an indication of which idols I struggle with) and I quite enjoyed the book. Don’t get me wrong, it is incredibly convicting. Wilson focuses on seven idols that he commonly sees people struggle with in our culture: achievement, approval, power, money, religion, beauty, dreams . . .but it’s a very real conversations. Wilson acknowledges that he struggles with many of the idols himself. He doesn’t just lay them out, either. He gives clues that you might be struggling with these idols. He talks about steps to take to turn back to God in these areas.

One of the biggest things that I appreciated about the book was that Wilson clearly states that idolatry is a human condition. We all struggle with putting things before God, and it is a battle that we will fight until we go Home. The thing we must do is continually allow God to reveal these areas to us, and continually be willing to repent of them. These words were encouraging and challenging to me.

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it would be a great one to go through with a friend or small group for some genuine and edifying discussions.

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.”