Abraham by Charles Swindoll

He is the "father of a great nation", the man through whom "all the nations of the earth will be blessed." He is father of Isaac, the grandfather of Jacob, and through his line comes David, Solomon, Daniel, John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ.

Yet, there is much that can be overlooked about Abraham by just casually reading his story in Genesis. Charles Swindoll was written a wonderful book giving insight into who Abraham might have been and why he may have done what he did.

By using historical information about the time in which Abraham lived, such as customs and beliefs, Swindoll has allowed the reader a better view of Abraham.

I found this very helpful as I often was perplexed by some of the decisions Abraham made. Seeing now that is was the custom of the time really enlightened my understanding of certain passages in Scripture.

I also enjoyed how Swindoll showed Abraham as he was: a man. He was a man that made mistakes, had doubts, and suffered because of his errors. Yet, God still used him in a marvelous way. Such encouragement is readily accpeted that if Abraham can be used by God with his faults, so can I.

Impact Player by Bobby Richardson

Imagine playing next to ball players like Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. These legends defined the game of baseball and have a lasting impact on its history. Bobby Richardson has such an opportunity.

He played with some of the most famous Yankees to ever don the pinstripes. Yet through it all he maintained his faith in God and Jesus Christ.

Richardson recalls his rising up through the farm system of the Yankees to eventually being the starting second baseman for perhaps the greatest era in Major League Baseball history.From there it is story after story of his Yankees days, the friends he made, the games he remembers, and the legacy that is left behind.

Yet he desires that his legacy be that of a Christian who played baseball and had a lasting impact in the faith of his teammates.

While many would expect a book of accomplishments, Richardson instead writes a book about family, friends, and faith; stats do not matter in such a book. Through it all, Richardson inspires his readers to place more value on things that matter and less on this that are temporal. In a time when athletes are role models that sometimes seek to serve their own purpose, Richardson is proof that such an attitude need not be the norm. And for that, I love this book.

Simplify by Bill Hybels

*I received this complementary copy from Tydanle in exchange for my honest review.

Exhausted? It seems to be a theme these days that many people are tired, burnt out, and desperate for some rest. The rat race has us spinning the wheel, going nowhere, but feeling like we are ever so close.

Introduce Simplify by Bill Hybels.

Mr. Hybels has been there...and is still there. Trying to juggle his non-profit world and his family life is no small task. Yet, he has addressed ten areas in this book that if can be controlled, instead of controlling, should lead to a life of enjoyment and satisfaction instead of misery and emptiness.

Some of these areas discuss: having a good exercise program, managing finances, controlling fears, and having good relationships.

It is worth noting that when things are not as they should be, people tend to became less dedicated to various areas of life and this can cause exhaustion and frustration.

For example, if one does not exercise regularly, then health problems can occur. This can lead to not feeling well and not interacting with relationships. Relational disconnect can lead to allow fears to be overcoming instead of asking for counsel and/or prayer. Thus, the one area can affect many.

I really enjoy the section on fear as I tend to be a worrier and allow my mind to get the better of me. By focusing on my all powerful God and His protection and control, I can relax my fears and enjoy life. Thus, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants to unclutter their soul.

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The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

 Imagine having to clean out a house and finding letters to God from another person. Just think of what it would be like to have an inner look into a person's life through the medium of the written word.

In the Prayer Box, Lisa Wingate takes the reader on a journey of life from the perspective of seeing it through another's eyes. By reading the letters the reader is brought into a life of introspection and thought. The realization that life is not always simple and reading about another's journey through similar circumstances gives powerful encouragement to keep going, no matter the difficulty.

I resonate with this because my dad is one who writes a devotional for his sons and I can see how he displays part of who is he, what he has experienced, and how we can learn from it.

While I am not a lover of fiction, this book is a great way to bridge the theological and philosophical questions one might have while experiencing the life God has given. In that, it is a great read.

Lead...for God's Sake by Todd Gongwer

 "What we have is a lack of leadership!" It started off with a coach frustrated by his players not playing like a team. No matter what he tried he could not get the gelling that is required for teams to succeed.

He then found a compatriot in his friend who was having similar troubles in the business world. Employees just wanted to get paid and when the money was good so was morale. When the money wasn't there neither were the employees.

What was missing?

In his book LEAD for God's Sake! Todd Gongwer takes the reader on an inspirational fiction about where to find the heart of leadership. Through this wonderfully written story, Gongwer lays the foundation for what a leader should be and how to express their leadership properly.

I found this book to very engaging and exciting. I was having a hard time putting it down as the story developed. This would be a great book for anyone who is in a place of leadership no matter the environment.

The Fight by Luke Wordley

A trouble teen, Sam Pennington has a past that haunts him. He try to find his solution in sports but to no avail. While en route to home he is attacked and rescued by a boxer in training.

Sam is introduced to the boxer's trainer and the story unfolds from there. With some twists and turns, Sam and his trainer realize that they are not fighting their opponents but themselves and their past. In the end, they realize what truly matters and cease the fighting.

I must admit that I do not normally read much fiction but was really impressed with this book. The writing was excellent and the character development was well done. I found myself engaged and waiting to see what would happen. Overall, a well written book.

Knowing God by Name by David Wilkerson

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Chosen Books

This book is a great devotional using the names of God and how God revealed himself to people of the Bible. From "God will provide", "God is forgiveness", and more, Wilkerson shows that God is more than just a Creator. He wants to be known by man and has made Himself known by His various names.

What I really enjoyed was the simplicity that the book has that brought much depth. Do we really appreciate all that is when God says, "I am mercy"? Wilkerson bring this, and more to his book.

Knowing God by Name is an excellent read for those who need hope, encouragement, or simply want to draw closer to God.

C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity by Paul McCusker

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers via their Tyndale Blog Network. The review is my honest review.

This book is a look into how C.S. Lewis became the popular author that he is today. It gives account of how Lewis was asked to give radio broadcasts during World War II and how that paved the way for several of his popular books.

What the book also does is give some personal insight into who C. S. Lewis was, his home life and upbringing, his service in World War I, and ultimately how he came to be a Christian.

This allows for historical context of how the books that many Christians have come to enjoy were developed. Too often the works of an author are judged without knowing the history behind each book. McCusker has help bridge the gap between the C. S. Lewis the man and C. S. Lewis the author.

I really enjoyed seeing the struggles that Lewis had to go through even in giving his broadcasts. There were time constraints, taboo subject matter, and even schedule conflicts that could have easily diminished the potency of Lewis' talks.

Yet, Lewis pressed forward and the world was better because of it. McCusker has done a wonderful job of peeling back the life of a somewhat private man and showing the world a little more of who C. S. Lewis was.

Game On by Emmitt Smith

 I recall seeing Emmitt Smith breaking the all time rushing record for the National Football League(NFL). At the time I really did not understand the impact of what has just transpired. After reading this book, I have a much better understanding of all that Mr. Smith went through to get there.

In Game On, Mr. Smith gives account of what prompted him to set out on his dream of being the best running back in the NFL, what goals he set to get there, and what he learned along the way.

He then uses his personal experiences to challenge the readers to seek out their dreams and develop a strategy of getting there. Through it all Smith gives valuable insight on goal setting, persevering, seeking advice, and standing up for what is right.

Game On is an ideal book for those who are starting off in life, trying to find their passion, or for those whose passions may have been lost by life circumstances. With the encouraging undertones, this book will be a great resources to have.

The Journey Bible (NIV)

*I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Zondervan through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.

The Journey Bible is a Bible for those who are trying to figure exactly what God wants for them. It is not a study Bible per se, though it does have great study notes, but rather it acts more as a guide. It's intent is to guide the Christian into the foundation tenants and truths of who God is, what He wants, and how a person fits into God's overall plan.

First thing is the Bible is rather thick but not very dense. This allows for a good reading typeface and great placement of notes but does not sacrifice content for a little Bible.

The second thing is the paper has the look of a newspaper (for you millennials, a newspaper is a collection of papers put together that tells the news. It is not an app and does not contain video). I really like this feature as it allowed me to think of what I was reading as news: the Good News.

Yet one downside of this newspaper-like feature is the notes are in black and white. This sometimes made it difficult to follow the text and read a note inside of Scripture. I would suggest that anyone purchasing this Bible hold off and see if a leather bound edition will put notes into color. A needed improvement in my opinion.

All in all, a good Bible that needs a few tweeks to make it an excellent resource.