Sent by Hilary Alan

This book brings out how selfish and ungodly the American dream really is. I commend how this wealthy "normal" family took off their blinders and went beyond our protecting borders.

I hear others reminisce of simpler times in the past and how they miss them.  But this family went into a country of just that, a simple life and habits.  Nothing to be in a hurry for.  Instead of looking in the past, all we have to do is look across our oceans for a simple life. 

I appreciate this families determination to be obedient to God even though things were not easy.  They made a challenging mission trip in our eyes, into a wonderful vacation.  The author did not enjoy every aspect of the three years they were there, but she came away with a joy of being blessed.

I recommend this book to anyone thinking about going on a mission trip.  It will reveal what things could happen that may seem unpleasant. But, it can also show what things can lead to an exciting, God inspired passion that you never knew you had.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader by Mark Sanborn

This was one of those books that I wasn't sure I would enjoy.  It began slow, but the further along I got the better it became. 

It talked about how to make yourself motivated and focused. A trait everyone can benefit from. Throughout it makes the point to eliminate activities that don't add value. 

There is the power of giving where we need to ask others what motivates them.  Who wouldn't be encouraged if you kept all the conversation focused on them?

The main point of the book was dream big, plan small, team up, keep striving and act boldly.These statements may sound obvious, but it is an action that today is not seen enough.

I recommend this book to anyone who interacts directly with others.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Everything Christmas

You may be wondering why I picked a Christmas book to read in January.  I knew January would be a less hectic month and I could slowly read and enjoy the stories. It worked!  I was able to keep the warm Christmas feeling continue in January while the cold weather was unbearable outside.  In the middle of the busy holidays is not the time to read this book.

What makes this Christmas book unique is that it includes Christmas traditions, food items, and history from different countries.  It also has short stories, poems, carols, recipes, memories and gift giving ideas. 

This would be a great gift for a couple just starting out that doesn't have the holiday traditions set up yet.   It would also be a great read for anyone who wants more of the spirit of Christmas and loves this time of year.

"I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic

I began this book knowing it would tug at my heart, since the author has neither arms or legs. But instead of feeling sorry for Nick Vujicic I came away inspired and encouraged.

This man has a passion to share the goodness of God. He thanks God for his disability as it allows him to minister with others in a way no one else could. He doesn’t try to use his lack of limbs for any other purpose but to honor God.

Nick has been through many trials growing up so he has a passion for helping young people with things such as bullying or thoughts of suicide. There are many websites given in this book to guide people with these issues. He did not share much of his school mishaps with his parents or school officials, but he advises against this. There is help for all those that need advice or counsel.

Some of the many emails he receives are quoted to show just how his inspiring words are impacting people around the world.

I encourage anyone who has trials of any kind to read this book. It doesn’t have to be physical disabilities. The author has a passionate spirit that reaches out to all people. God is using Nick Vujicic mightily and it goes to show there is no disability that can hinder that.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

"The Gospel of Yes" by Mike Glenn

I had always thought I had the gospel of "yes" with God. After reading this book I realized I might be playing it safe.

Mike Glenn begins with the point that God wants us to concentrate on doing things we are good at. God is will to show us if we just ask. I often wonder why we don’t ask God for such things.

The playing it safe portion starts to hit close to home as he states a lot of phrases that explain this action. Low profile, mind your own business, retreat, avoid the struggle of living out your faith, to name a few.

 There may even be those who duck behind a theological bumper sticker slogan that is designed to shut off any further conversation or thought. The author states the Resurrection is God’s ultimate "yes" to humanity.

I liked a lot of the one liners he used to explain things. Our lives may begin with a mess, but they end with the Divine Yes. Another was that being a Christian can become a spiritual frequent-flier program.

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to everyone who is not afraid to use his or her talents for God. The greatest point Mike Glenn makes is that we are loved by God and everything else flows from that eternal reality.
　
　

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Spark by Jason Jaggard

This book takes you on a path. An ever growing, inspired, spark filled path. It encourages to change things by moving from asking hard questions to making hard choices. I never thought about it being in God's will to live an inspiring life. But that is what the author says God wants for us in our lives.

We can even thank God for the things we cannot change or don't like about ourselves.  Jason Jaggard states for in these inadequacies there is a unique way to love others that not many can duplicate.  That is a great way to appreciate our faults.  Though our faults come naturally they don't always honor God. In these areas we need to devote an unnatural amount of energy to developing ourselves far beyond what we are good at.

According to the author there are four things a risk must be.

1. Immediate- something you will do in the next six days.
2. Controllable- something that is within your power to do.
3. Challenging- something that stretches your comfort zone.
4. Positive- something that makes your life or the world better.

After reading his book I want to have the spark mentioned.  The author explains it in a way that is attainable and Biblical.  I recommend this book to those that need a recharge or spark in their spiritual life.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Living Close to God, When You're Not Good at it

In my opinion this book was way too short.  When I had finished it, I wanted more to read. I appreciated the author's honesty regarding his slow Christian spirit.  He is a pastor and leader with a spiritual handicap as he calls it.

He begins on the simplicity of God.  He brought up that some of the believers in Jesus' time did not read. The gospel message was simple. So simple an unlearned person could understand it. All evidence points to the fact that our Lord is not complex.

Gene Edwards challenges us to find the relationship with Christ that is simple and personal. He states "I had heard over and over again there was one solution to living the Christian life ,'Read your Bible and Pray'. This had not worked for me."   If a pastor was struggling with that statement I wanted to find out why and what more could be done.

This book details what the author did to live close to God. The wisdom he used, though useful was just that, his wisdom.  I can take his tips, hints and solutions he found, but I must make and find my own personal commitment to live close to God.

This book is a great read for those that are frustrated with their limited walk with God and have a determination to find out how to change that.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multomah Publishing Group for this review."