Book Review: Daddy Dates

Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter

This is a fun read even for myself with a daughter that is almost one. Now there is nothing earth shattering in this book by Greg Wright. Many of us would even wonder what the purpose of a Daddy Date would be. Some would possibly even think that it may be weird. However, Greg does an outstanding job of making the relationship between a dad and a daughter a simple reality that any dad can do with a little thought, time, and energy. He is not a psycho babbling head who knows all the lingo about relationships, nor does he come across as one who has figured out this special relationship our. Greg realized that he should pursue his girls before others started pursuing them for a relationship.

Each chapter is easily accessible to pick up and read for a quick dose of encouragement in 5 minutes or less. He shares stories about his success and failures of asking his daughters on dates over the last several years. He does everything from the simple date at a coffee shop to an all out extravagant date with all the daughters. This is not about spending more money because you may be an absent dad trying to buy their love. No, this is about desiring to pursue and connect with your daughter because she is a precious gift and you treasure her.

Don't be discouraged he even gives you a brief personality test to take so you can fully understand how to connect with you daughter and not simply do what you would want to do on a date. He even has special section at the end of the book with ideas for dates. So, do yourself a favor and get this book, get off the couch and start pursuing a relationship with your daughter, she will be gone before long.

Book received by Booksneeze.com

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Does this video reflect you? If so, then possibly you should get this book as some encouragement.

Book Review: Max On Life

Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions is a good read for those who are most intrigued by life's simple yet complex questions. The questions read as if you and Max would be having coffee and you had a opportunity to ask him what was on your heart. This is not intended to be theological in nature with complex answers. Nor is it intended to be a reference book with all scriptures referenced that point you to the answer. Most pages have one question and Max answers that question within that page. This would make for a great gift for anyone who is a Max Lucado fan and it would make for a good gift for someone who may be struggling through life or faith.

He divides the book into 7 general themes; Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. With 172 questions Max truly address some of life's most difficult questions. Many of the questions have had entire books written on the subject.

For example here are a few of the questions.

"Where is hell?"

"Is there a biblical way to handle finances in a marriage? My wife does a far better job of handling our finances than I ever could I'm happy (relieved, in fact) that she is willing to do this. But my brother feels strongly that this is a godly man's responsibility. is he right?

"What is the purpose of confession? Doesn't God already know what I've done? Why does he need me to tell Him?"

Other topics range from poverty, anxiety, sex, baptism, and divorce.

This reads more like a devotional and would be suited well as a gift for those who are seeking Christ.

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This book had been provided by BookSneeze.com

What story are you telling?

Do yourself a favor if you have not already, go get Donald Millers book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.
The paper back was just released so you can save a little money to buy an extra copy to giveaway.


What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.

Just Make A Decision

Sometimes I can be indecisive as an individual. I will never forget the countless conversations I have had with my dad. Typically it would unfold like this; "Son, where would you like to eat? 'I don't care." And our conversation would go back and forth until we ended up at the Golden Corral were there would be unlimited options for one who could not even decide what to eat in the first place.

Early last fall I heard it said, "people want leaders to make decisions and even if it turns out to be the wrong decision at least you made a decision." Essentially the point being is leaders make decisions. Leaders will make right decisions and wrong decisions. Everyone will make decisions and we pray we make more right decisions than wrong ones.

As a leader this point has been on my mind lately after finishing Decision Points by George W. Bush. This is a great book and I would recommend to those who are leaders in any position.

Many times we need to carefully make decisions by seeking Godly counsel, praying, and waiting for clarity through the Spirit to give peace.

However, there are many times when you just need to make a decision so you don't end up at Golden Corral with tons of decisions to make.

Book Review: The Jesus You Can't Ignore

In The Jesus You Can't Ignore: What You Must Learn from the Bold Confrontations of Christ from John MacArthur is a book that is not for everyone and honestly I have not finished.

John tries to persuade the reader and help one understand that Jesus was one to confront the religious leaders of his day and time about their false teaching and how Jesus was not always giving people grace. John lays out a compelling case that there needs to be more people to follow the way of Jesus when it comes to confronting false teaching. Personally I am not of fan of this book and writing style, that does not mean that the content of the book is relevant. I agree with John that many churches and teachers have been misled by the Jesus they read about and portray as gentle and loving. There is a balance and one can not swing to far to one side or the other.

Christ was able to define what false teaching is and was because He was and is the Son of God. For us the challenge becomes much more difficult to define false teaching. Is that not why there are several hundred different Christians denominations around the world, because each person believes something a little different. Not to mention those tribes who have several different beliefs within that one tribe.

I agree that sometimes we rely on the grace of Christ often and do not teach about the truth He came to proclaim. The Jesus You Can't Ignore: What You Must Learn from the Bold Confrontations of Christ is about learning how Christ loved with truth and grace. We all must submit to God's authority and His reign as we lean on Christ truth and grace.

Book provided by Thomas Nelson and Book Sneeze.

Book Review: Out Live Your Life

 Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference by Max Lucado was a very enjoyable and challenging read.

Max takes the reader on a journey through the book of Acts and takes one or two key verses and builds each chapter on that particular verse. As Max puts a narrative spin on the book of Acts he draws the reader in by making a modern application out of each chapter and moves the reader forward to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in his or her own personal journey.

Here are a few verses that he builds various chapters on:

Acts 5:1-2--the story about Annanias and Sapphira selling their land and not being honest about what they sold.

Acts 8:36-37--"See here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Phillip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may."

Acts 12:5--" But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him."

There is a great discussion guide at the end of the book with several questions and applications to put one's faith out on the front line. You could use this book in many settings; personal or even a small group Bible study.

The early church lived with such great passion and changed the world. What would happen if we had the same courage to change the world for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not about us out living our life, it is about making a difference so that the message of Jesus Christ will continue to change hearts and relationships that glorify the Father.


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This book was from Book Sneeze provided by Thomas Nelson. 

Book Review: The Naked Gospel

The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church

This book I received from the Ooze Viral Bloggers back in May and I am finally able to give my humble thoughts about it due to life transitions.

I am very torn on this book and do not personally recommend it at this time. There are several things I agree with and several things that are not Biblical and misleading.

For example; Farley makes a statement, "Too often, I see the church today functioning like any other morality-focused group. It's time for us to wake up and realize that being born of the Spirit means we possess an amazing life within us."

Right on, I could not agree more. I have made comments for several years that the church often resembles the local country club. Then on the other hand Farley appears to be so grace based that there is no need for baptism, or allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of sins.

This is not a theological book and he does not seem like he desires to narrow in on a particular subject and really unpack the truths of scripture. It is theological in framework, but is missing the inside or the completeness for the audience he desires to address.

Farley does a great job of weaving stories throughout the book and giving metaphors to try and make point in light of a scripture. In essence Farley is writing about a principal that we are new creations in Christ and the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us and his conclusion is that we are saved once and for all once we realize the freedom in Christ.

Like I said there are several things I agree with and many that I disagree with. My desire is not to take your time and list every detail. Overall I enjoyed the book and the fresh reminder that living in Christ gives me life and freedom.

Book Review: Love and War

Love and War: Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of

John Eldredge is an author who changed my life back in 2001 when I read Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul. So when his new book with he and his debut late last year I wanted to read it immediately. Due to the nature of life, moving, new job, and settling in I am just getting around to writing my review of the book that the Ransomed Heart Ministry gave me.

In short, the book is not life changing for me, but John and his wife Stasi tackle the issue of marriage in a great conversational and applicable book in Love and War. You may not remember but the last marriage book I reviewed was like all the others I have read. Simply put, I have grown tired of these steps or plans one is to follow in their marriage and everything works out perfect.

John and Stasi have done a great job about connecting the reader to the heart of the matter, but not leaving you with a "plan" to follow. You can listen to my friend Corey who did an interview with John and Stasi earlier this year at his blog Simple Marriage.

Love and War has a good Biblical framework for the book and connect all the personal stories to the greater love story that God is unfolding in the covenant of marriage. This book would be good to study with your spouse, use in a small group, buy the DVD curriculum, or simply engage your mind and heart to focus on your marriage. Love and War will be a book I can use in many personal and ministry related areas of my life.

Book Review: Searching for God Knows What

Searching for God Knows What was a great and refreshing read this past weekend from Donald Miller. Engaging read about how we have made an idol out of religion and forgot about the core truth of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.

For those of you who are are familiar with Donald Miller and this book you will realize the cover has changed and he has expanded on the previous edition wrote in 2004. This has an expanded section that talks about the Genesis Personality Theory and also hidden clues for a mysterious game. The clues are for a game that will start in June and all the information is in the new book.

My humble words cannot explain Searching for God Knows What in any other terms other than; Jesus Christ is not a formula, nor can you place Him in a box with a bow on top. Following Christ is not a simple list and a morality check box. This relationship with Jesus Christ as Donald Miller writes with clarity and boldness is more than what we as Christians have reduced him down to. Donald's narrative genius makes this an engaging read, not a theological textbook. The last chapter is worth the price in admission, but don't jump ahead because you may not understand the last chapter.



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This is another book from Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze.com 

FREE Book Giveaway -- Plan B by Pete Wilson

 EDIT--Friday May 7th

Kristal was the winner for the free book. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who commented.

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Book giveaway starts today Tuesday May 4th and goes until Thursday May 6th at 12 midnight PST.

You can read about Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?  from my blog review.

 For your chance to win please leave a comment with your name and answer this question:

How many books have you read in 2010?

I will use a random number generator based upon the comments received and announce the winner on Friday.

Your generosity in posting on your blog, a tweet, or on Facebook is greatly appreciated, but not required to win.

Book Review: Plan B by Pete Wilson

Have your dreams been shattered? Have you faced disappointments from your relationship? Tired of the self-help books that offer a "plan" but in reality the plan fails? Looking for a book that admits that life is difficult and many times there are not answers?

Pete Wilson author of Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? does not hold anything back in his debut book.

I have grown tired of books full of information that tell me to do this or that and how this is a proven path for your life. Pete does not make any false illusions or promises in Plan B. Throughout the book I was pulled into the narrative of people's stories and how their life appear to be falling apart. These gripping stories of death, drugs, and divorce (and others) will leave your heart yearning for the truths that are found in scripture. Pete does not leave the reader short with some pop culture psycho babel, but leads the reader straight towards stories in the Bible of heartache and disappointment. However, all of these stories lead the reader straight to the cross of Christ were all hope and restoration lies. Many times we believe that Christ removed this pain and agony from life as we know it, but the reality of restoration will not be know until we meet Christ on the other side of the grave. This would be a great book for small groups and classes to go deeper with one another as we learn to share our stories of hope and disappointments in the midst of our Plan B's. There are discussion questions at the end of the book for each chapter to be used personally or with a group. Thanks Pete for being honest and transparent about the realities of life, but pointing people towards Christ.








 FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY
Finally, come back tomorrow to read the details of how you can receive my copy of Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?

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This is another book from Thomas Nelson and Book Sneeze.

Book Review: Your Love Path

Your LovePath

Joe Beam is a nationally recognized speaker and leader for marriages across the country. He is the creator of Love Path International  and founded Family Dynamics. (Fair trade disclosure: Joe sent this book to me a few weeks ago for a review and linking to his seminar of Love Path International.)

This has less to do with the book and the content of the book, but more so of what I continue to find among marriage, family, and self-help books. Most of them seem to lean heavily towards cognitive understanding and transformation and lack reaching the reader on an emotional level. That does not mean that this is not a good book. There is a huge need for cognitive restructuring when looking to improve one self or marriage.

Your LovePath is a great book to read and will lead you in the right direction to an intimate marriage. Joe does an outstanding job of making the material accessible to all readers. He combines his experience with saving marriages and evidence based research from guys like John Gottman. He weaves a few narrative examples throughout the book of couples that he has worked with and how they have implemented the steps in their marriage to save it from destruction. One of the highlights of the book is the chapter summary that you can review periodically to check and make sure you and your spouse are on the right path. This is one of the best books about marriage that cuts trough the "noise" and offers practical steps for all marriages. 

This book will get your marriage on the right path, but please understand one must do the work that Joe lays out in Your LovePath.If your marriage is on the brink of disaster check out his resources for seminars in Nashville, TN.

Book Review: Everyone Communicates Few Connect

John Maxwell has done an outstanding job in his latest book in Everyone Communicates Few Connect



This book is not for everyone because some do not have a desire to connect. This book is only for those who wish to improve his or her connecting skills and abilities. The book is practical and the language of the book echo's Maxwell's writing style. There are numerous quotes that he uses to frame a chapter or a section around that one quote. Neither good or bad that is how Maxwell writes. Occasionally Maxwell seems to "bragging" about his success or possibly he is being relational and showing how he has used the principles in the book to connect with others.

Here are a few practical tips that may seem like common sense to most, but unfortunately common sense does not mean we implement these traits into our daily life. Three questions that we long to know when connecting;

• Do you care for me?
• Can you help me?
• Can I trust you?

Finding common ground in relationships is important and overlooked. To overcome this one needs to ask questions and explore the other person's interest. This can be done by what some would say "playing ignorant" in your conversations. Once you approach someone as a "know it all" or arrogant walls are built and connection is lost. Asking questions allows you to be in a place of humility  and sometimes this may be achieved best by playing ignorant. This principle has to do with simplicity in speech or what Maxwell said as "talk to, not above." People are longing for conversations not debates. Practice humility by asking genuine questions. Here are a few questions to help you connect;

• What do you dream about?
• What do you sing about?
• What do you cry about?

A highlight from the book is the guide at the end of each chapter that explores connecting one-on-one, in a group, and in a audience. This is a book that everyone needs to practice, but the reality is only a few will implement these practices in his or her daily life.

One area he did not address is the need to disconnect from our media, cell phones, TV,  Facebook, Twitter and the numerous other outlets that are causing us to lose this idea of presence and how that helps us connect with others.

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Another book review from Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze.com

Book Review: The Feast by Josh Graves

Though I have never met Josh Graves I feel as though we could be great friends. Endurance athlete, avid basketball player, and lover of Christ, Josh hits a home run with his first book published by the guys and gals over at Leafwood.

Josh writes with great humility, boldness, and clarity. His writing style is fresh and conversational, as if I just finished a cup of coffee with him.

Many today are struggling to find an authentic path of being a follower of Jesus Christ. There seems to be a polarization that is happening with those who desire to walk with God. On one end people are searching for a simple way to follow Christ that is not bound by religiosity, but a way of living one's life. Then on the other end people work tirelessly at justifying themselves by rules or knowledge that keeps the "ship at bay."

Josh tries to paint a picture of a place in the middle. He does not abandon scripture, instead he displays a huge desire to meet God in His truth. However, he does not stop with only the word of God he goes on to share stories of what it may look like to practice Matthew 25 in today's context. If you desire to have a fresh voice of encouragement in your walk I am sure you will not be disappointed.

The Feast is intended to help the reader find a way to be an authentic Christ follower today and leave the polarization behind. I hope you will find refreshment in the author's word as he draws you closer to Christ and leaves you with a desire to "feast" upon His word and be relational with Him and others.

Sidenote: There is a brief overview of each chapter and study guide found at the end of the book, which makes this book a valuable tool for class settings or small groups.



Thanks to Leafwood for the opportunity to review this book.

Love Letter from Nehemiah

I have been receiving email devotions from Larry Crabb's book 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God. They all have been profound, but wanted to pass on the encouragement today. Many of us are burdened, discouraged, and seem to have lost our direction. This is re-written from the book of Nehemiah and offers a fresh voice about continuing to do the good works.


"God says, whatever anyone does out of a sincere desire to know Me and draw others to me is a great work. And as you engage in that work, sometimes you will be energized as you catch a glimpse of My plan unfolding. More often you won't. Either way you are doing a great work.

Every father who repairs a leaky faucet and then prays with his kids before dinner is doing a great work. Every mother who prepares that dinner and joins in that prayer is doing a great work. Every single person who works hard to pay the rent and reads the Bible before bedtime is doing a great work.

I see it all. And I am pleased. Their reward is coming.

Whatever is done to know Me and make Me known, to advance My purposes, is a great work. And I will use every great work done by My people, no matter how small it seems, to further My great plan.

When you see the fullness of that plan and its end result, you will be plunged forever in a sea of joy."



(Photo: lusi)

The Book of the Shepherd Review

The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis is a short easy fable to read packed with bits of truth that we all need to be reminded of to help keep us focused.

The journey leads the reader down a road less traveled. A road of simplicity and connection.

Simplicity that our journey is made easier when we are seeking the One. Simplicity that this journey does not require the weight of extra bags that slows us down.

The reminder of connection is both external and internal. The importance of having relational connections with others on this journey. And the reminder that we must continually examine our connection to the One and the way of simplicity.

This could be a good book to read to children with the guidance of their parents. This would make a good book for those who like to be reminded of simple truth that we forget to often. This is not a book of theology nor is it intended to be a book of theology. It is a fable weaved with remnants and teaching about following "the Way."



Thanks to the Ooze Viral Bloggers for the opportunity to review this book. See a few pages of the inside of the book.

Are you a Linchpin?

I first want to say thanks to Seth Godin for allowing his tribe to grab a copy of this book by donating to the Acumen Fund. You know you are a Linchpin and a tribe leader when you ask for a small donation in exchange for his latest book and raise, at least in my estimates, over $100,ooo.

How do you describe a book you read in two days and underlined and marked it up as if I was taking an exam? Why would I be willing to reread particular parts of the book, including the chapter over resistance?

The one example that came to mind over and over was that of a Pez dispenser. Seth Godin writes a poignant book with every new chapter and subtitle. He cuts hard to the bone marrow, but leaves you remaining with a sense of awe and fascination with his style of writing. The Pez dispenser is similar to this book, you are fascinated by the one liners that seem to be filled on every page, so you continue to flip each page waiting for the next pez or one liner to wet your mouth for more so you can smash your lizard brain (gotta read the book to understand the lizard brain). However, this book deserves more than a Pez dispenser, because Pez dispensers are not unique, they have no sense of value, and more importantly they do not offer emotional investment or return. Pez dispenser are a veneer of art. You were made to authentic art . I know I am not an artist either. Art according to Seth changes people, therefore I am an artist. You are an artist, not a Pez dispenser.

Many will read this book, few will understand. We crawl to our caves either at home or work and rarely reach out to make the emotional connection with those closest to us. An emotional connection requires energy and effort beyond showing up, but we face resistance daily and allow the resistance and our lizard brain to take control.

Who is this book for? Everyone. You deserve more than what is given to you, but you must realize people are asking you to take a risk; to go beyond the sale, go beyond the meeting, go beyond the church walls, go beyond the 1 hour therapy session, this requires emotional labor. Take a risk and connect with someone and give them emotional labor.

The book is released Jan 26th.

Are you a Linchpin?

Read the Linchpin Manifesto

The Language of Love and Respect: Book Review

The Language of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate

Really, 300 pages over communication with your spouse could have been easily cut to 150 pages. This a good practical book, but is wordy. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs bases this book off of his popular Love and Respect book and seminars and has some good little nuggets, but easily gets overlooked in the length of the book.

As a growing Marriage and Family Therapist I try to stay aware of good books to recommended outside the counseling time with clients. This book does not make the list. Not that the book is invaluable, but if communication is the issue being addressed more words does not mean that you have communicated to your audience effectively.

Dr. Eggerichs comes across very sincere and practical in his writing style, but overuses the 1st person analogy, stories, and anecdotes. At times I feel as if he is trying to applaud the success of the Love and Respect principal. I do not doubt or discredit any of his work, but this book would serve others better if the length of the book was cut.

However, this book will benefit my personal understanding of the Love and Respect principal found in Ephesians 5:33 and I will be able to use the practical side of some of his acronym's he uses to help couples focus, but would not pass this book on to others.

This is another Thomas Nelson Book Review.

(Or better known as BookSneeze.com as of today Jan 12, 2010)

Counterfeit Gods Book Review

Yesterday spending some time with a friend and talking over coffee we got into a small conversation with a couple sitting at a near by table about the great outdoors and the various options we have to enjoy here in Las Vegas. The conversation eventually led to the status question, "So what do you do?" This is how the next few minutes played out about "Sin City" and the grace that we have found.

"What do you think about Las Vegas?"

"I think it leaves people feeling empty."

"It does not leave me empty and I have lived here my whole life."

Possibly that was my response in light of finishing Counterfeit Gods this week.

Empty.

That is what idols do to your mind, body, and soul.

However, many us do not want to wrestle with the idols of our life and come to grips that many times as Christians we put our hope in the same thing the world does, but we try to masquerade it as blessings or put some nice Bible jargon on our language.

Timothy Keller hits hard and to the point. He does not waste time trying to sugar coat the idols in our life, but keeps this book brief and to the point. In the psychological world we often hide behind mental health classifications or label something as an addiction, co dependency, or even depression. These are all very real issues, but lets keep it simple and call it an idol.

Although the brevity of the book will mislead some, the depth will take you by storm. Don't read this book if you want to be set free from a life of emptiness.

Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power and the Only Hope that Matters by Timothy Keller

So what do I think about Las Vegas...it will leave you longing for the grace of God and the only hope that matters.

May this book point you closer to the cross of Christ and the hope of the resurrection.

It Happened in Italy

Possibly chose the wrong book to review for Thomas BRB for the wrong reasons. I am not a huge history buff, but I was looking forward to gaining a different perspective about the Holocaust, one that was filled with hope and not despair. The narrative that Elizabeth portrayed is compelling and insightful if one would like to read a different piece of Holocaust history. It Happened in Italy is a book designed and written for anyone who likes Holocaust history. For me the narrative did not read well. That does not mean that the narrative is not important and interesting. It reads as if she is talking to me not writing a convincing piece of literature. Read this book to find hope in the midst a chaotic time in history. Laced with personal interviews, photography, and Elizabeth's personal journey to know "this" story makes for a decent book for Holocaust enthusiast. This book should remind us all to embrace conflict in our lives or others lives as we try to figure a way to give hope when faced with circumstances or situations that seem unbearable.