Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Founders Key by Larry Arnn

What a great book at a needed time. Mr. Arnn does a masterful job of showing how The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence have been separated by the American judicial system. This has caused the laws to be "interpreted" in a manner that the founding fathers did not have in mind. By using historical documents, Arnn shows the thoughts of the men who drafted our country's documents and how their idea of government is all but lost on today's citizen. A great book for those who want to understand our country's history. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze.com for an honest review of this book."

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Business for the Glory of God by Wayne Grudem

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in audio form from Christianaudio.com. This review is my own and I was not persuaded to give a certain review.*

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The reader did a wonderful job of keeping a good pace and rhythm. It made listening quite easy and comprehending what was being read also easy. With a subject like this, having a great resource that is simple and easy to comprehend, is a great plus.

I would recommend that employees listen to this as it will encourage to be faithful to their employers whom God has set over them. I also recommend that employers listen to this to be sure they are in line with how they treat, and use, their employees.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Up, Down, or Sideways by Mark Sanborn

This is a fantastic book and should be read by all those who want some very practical advice on how to succeed. Mr. Sanborn is a great communicator and his communication style comes through very well in this book.

First, Mr. Sanborn pulls no punches; he tells it like it is. However, there is a teacher-like style to his writing. He doesn't write to persuade but rather to encourage. Also, he really wants his readers to succeed and writes with this intent. This is one of the reasons why he is so successful himself as a writer and communicator.

Second, the book is simple in its language. There are no theories or "new" ideas. Rather there are practical and simple ideas that when practiced produce results. I found myself saying, "That's so easy...but why don't I practice it?". This book may cause those moments many times.

With that, I am going to pass along this book to others and would encourage you to buy one for yourself.

*This review is mine own. I did receive a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers of this book or ARC but was in no way instructed to give a positive or negative view.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Praying the Bible into Your Life by Stormie Omartian (audiobook)

I really enjoyed how short and simple the book which made it much easier to listen to as my day progressed. The way in which the audio was done made listening easy and it really kept my attention.

The reader of the book had a great flow and rhythm which allowed the book to move smoothly from section to section. The clarity was also well done so that I did not have to strain or turn the volume higher to listen effectively.

However, I think I would have preferred a male voice to read some of the sections. The female reader did a great job but it seemed that the softness of the feminine wasn't powerful enough for me on certain passages; just a personal preference.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this audio book as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. For more information about this and other Christian audio books visit christianaudio.com

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Powerful Story

*I received a copy of this book via Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review. The review is my own and I was not prejudiced to write a positive or negative review.*

This was a very moving and powerful story. I was greatly encouraged to see how Dr. Carver handled such hatred and mockery by doing what he knew God created him to do.
To see how a man such as Dr. Carver showed so much concern for all of God's creation, both human and non-human, was so profound that I found myself wondering, "why do I now think as such?".

Being born into an era were racial hatred was predominant, should have caused much animosity for white people. Yet, Dr. Carver rose above it all and was instrumentally used by God for great success.

I highly recommend this book to those in upper class high school who seek encouragement to follow the passion God has given them. You will be tested and reading about a man who was greatly tested should give hope that with God all things are possible.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

*The following review is my own and not that of any other. I received a complimentary copy for this review*

This was a fabulous read as I started it on Friday night and finished it Saturday morning. Not only was I anxious to keep reading but the content was well written.

The premise of the book is what does a person do when faced with an opportunity: fight or flee? Does he/she face the lion in a pit or does he/she run? Mr. Batterson challenges the reader to fight the lion, whatever the "lion" may be.

Why look back over your life with regret because of lost opportunity? Instead, accept that God has placed circumstances in your life to strengthen, instruct, mold, and challenge you. Fight your lions and see what miracles God can do through you. That is the intent of this book and it was presented well.

I highly recommend this book for those that need encouragement to continue in a difficult time and for those that are fearful of unforeseen outcomes. A very good read.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

We Shall See God by Randy Alcorn

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. My review is my own and has not been influenced by anyone*

I must first say that this book is great for a devotional. The page count for each chapter is just right and allows for time to think, meditate, and apply was has been presented.

That being said, this book is a great read. I cannot express how many times I had to put the book down and think about what I just read. The words of Charles Spurgeon married with the commentary of Randy Alcorn worked so well in tandem that it was as if Spurgeon and Alcorn met and discussed what was to be written.

Reading the words of Spurgeon on Heaven, God, and the Divine, really caused me to think about what it would be like. It also corrected some of the misconceptions that I had about Heaven, God, and what it may be like.

Another great attribute of this book is that it is simple. This is not two theologians giving some input. Rather it is two men, giving simple answers and thoughts. By doing so, it really engages a broad audience; an audience that can greatly benefit from this read.

I really hope that Alcorn does this with other speakers/authors as his input is very insightful and helpful.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado

**I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review. The views and opinions are my own.**

The first thing that made me fall in love with this book was the simplicity. I would read each page and say to myself, "That's so simple but so powerful." I could related to what was being discussed, empathize with certain situations, and laugh at the humorous points. Such an amazing book.

A little about the book. What Mr. Lucado has done is take questions from readers, answer them, and then publish those results. Questions about the afterlife, parenting, marriage, church, finances, and a myriad of other topics are entertained in this wonderful book.

Yet there is no professional answer; no platitudes. It is Mr. Lucado answering each question as a man; a human being. He does not attempt to go into some deep theological argument on certain subjects. No, he seeks only to make the person asking the question understand the dilemma in which he/she is engaged. For those that have read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, I would consider this an Evangelical-Christian Alternative to that book. I only hope that this book outsells that book because Mr. Lucado has the truth in his book; Jesus Christ.

Again, a great, but simple book, and a must read especially as a daily devotional.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Beyond Talent by John Maxwell

**I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.**

This is another amazing book by John Maxwell. Not only does he give great advice on how to go beyond talent, he does it in such a way to make you want to go beyond talent.

One main takeaway is that talent is not, and never should be, a substitute for character. Developing one's character should be a lifelong pursuit and supersedes talent. Such wisdom is sadly lacking these days. This is why this book should be read by as many people as possible.

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I must first start by saying this; never read this book at night. You'll have a difficult time sleeping as your anticipation grows. This book did such a great job of capturing my attention that I wished I didn't have to work the next day so I could stay up all night reading it. What a marvelous book.

First, you are not reading a story; you are reading a journey. Each page, each word is captivating as you enter the world of David Ponder. What is equally amazing is that your mind and soul are being challenged and exercised and you don't even know it.

It is for this reason that I recommend every student graduating this year must make reading this book a priority. The lessons learned will take them far and propel them to new heights.

However, this book is not for students alone. I would dare say that message, which has been forgotten by many, needs to be retrieved and done so soon. It cannot be avoided anymore. Mr. Andrews is calling many to action: will they answer the call? Only time will tell.

**I received a complimentary copy from Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review**