Wealth, is it Worth It?

I received this book for free from Chick-Fil-A.  It is written by the founder of the company, S. Truett Cathy.  The title of it really intrigued me, and I couldn’t wait to start reading it.

When I received it in the mail, I started on it immediately. It was a hard book to put down. I would consider this book inspirational as well as historical. There are stories of people who did well with their wealth, and there were others who did not do so well. 

I found the history of Chick-Fil-A to be very interesting and just goes to prove that you can achieve what you want to in life.

Dave Ramsey wrote the introduction for the book, and I thought that was great. His words really summed what I believe was behind this book.  Dave says, “With the youngest one in college now, we can only pray that we’ve done enough to pass along not just the wealth, but also the character to carry that wealth. It struck us early on that if we didn’t pour into their character, the wealth our kids inherit will absolutely destroy their lives” (p.12).

Isn’t that the truth…

We have all heard the interpretation of what the Bible says about money… Some say it this way, Money is the root of all evil.  But that is not exactly what the Bible says. It says it this way: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)

We are also advised to be careful of money and the trust we tend to place in it instead of the God who gave it to us in the first place.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says it this way. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Hebrews 13:5 encourages us with this. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I think these things are what Mr. Cathy is trying to say. Work hard in your life, and God will bless you. If you are blessed with money, don’t forget the hand that gave it to you. Don’t allow it to be what you “bank” on (no pun intended).

The story of Chick-Fil-A is a story of a family who trusts God with their wealth.  They receive with an open hand, give with an open hand, and they receive it back again. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it is very encouraging to the reader. If I would not have eaten at Chick-Fil-A before reading this book, I would certainly make it a point to frequent their restaurant now. They are people with integrity and character.

"You Were Born for This" - Bruce Wilkinson

I really liked the idea of this book by Bruce Wilkinson.  I have enjoyed his other books, like Prayer of Jabez.  Some of the examples he uses in this book are chilling and supports the fact that God actually does have our lives in His hands.  I think the book could be summed up with this statement: Be available to God, and He will not disappoint you.

If you are wondering where your life is headed, if there really is a divine plan for your life, you will certainly enjoy this book.  It can be very encouraging.  I always like reading the stories about the situations that he encounters while giving his whole life to God.

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

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years - Donald Miller

I found Donald Miller’s “Blue Like Jazz” in 2006.  I thought it was one of the best books that I have ever read.  I liked him as an author, and his style is unique.

I visited Mardel’s one day, and his book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” was on clearance for a dollar.  Of course, I bought it.  And with my classes finished for the spring, I started reading it last week.  I could hardly put it down.

The most distinctive thing about Miller is his ability to make you believe you are sitting right across from him as he tells his stories.  You actually feel that you were there on the bike ride, or sitting in his living room as he talks to his film makers about the movie he is writing.  His wisdom, exceptional advice and encouragement to writers is second to none and inspired me.  I wanted to go sit at my computer and pound out a few pages, but I couldn’t read his book at the same time.  I chose to keep reading.

This particular book, as is true with his other books, is truly inspirational in nature and cause you to take a good hard look at your own life and ask the questions you need answers to. 

Ø                               Am I truly living the life that God wants me to live? 

Ø                               Am I missing the mark somewhere? 

Ø                               What can I do to change it?

Max Lucado wrote a review on the book and said that he wanted to read it again as soon as he finished it.  That is exactly what I wanted to say about it, too!

Donald Miller, I wish I could sit down with you and have a chat about writing.  I wish I could listen to your words of encouragement in person.  If you ever conduct a writing seminar in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’m there!

If you are at a crossroads in your life, or even if you aren’t, this book will rejuvenate your spirit and excite your heart.

I am also placing the link to "Blue Like Jazz" on here.  This is a book that will challenge your thinking.

Keep writing, Donald Miller!

Love & War - Devotional for Couples (John and Stasi Eldridge)

Because of what my husband and I have gone through in our 20 years together, I like reading marriage books.  I like to know what other couples are saying about the good times as well as the not-so-good times.  John and Stasi Eldridge’s “Love & War Devotional for Couples” is a great resource for any couple at any stage of marriage.  It holds eight weeks of daily devotions for growing and reflection in marriage.  Each week is a new subject, like Remembering What We Wanted and Your Spouse Is Not Your Enemy.  While these seem like things we should always remember, sometimes it takes seeing them on a printed page for them to make the connection in our brain.  In the week entitled Your Spouse Is Not Your Enemy, we are reminded that we are supposed to be fighting FOR each other, not fighting WITH each other. There are relevant Bible verses throughout the book and prayers at the end of each day’s reading.  The Eldridge’s are well-spoken and heart-felt authors, and this book would be a great tool for any marriage in any season.  It would be a great wedding present, counseling tool, or anniversary gift.  It would also be a fantastic addition to your personal library.  I’m grateful to have this book, and I fully expect that I will use it in my marriage.

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

"Weird" (is a compliment) - Craig Groeschel

There is no doubt about it.  I’m weird.  And not in a bad way.

I have been reading Craig Groeschel’s book, “Weird” this week.  There are countless points to this book, so many that if I wrote them all down, I would be rewriting the whole book.  So, I will give some highlights.

He creates this book about five important subjects and breaks them down.  They are Time, Money, Relationships, Sex and Values.  I discovered good advice in each of these sections.

In the chapters about Time, he urges us to make time for those who matter most to us.  He gives some examples about his own family, and his kids who obviously think he’s “all that,” and want to be with him.  Wrestling, eating Oreos, playing Go Fish, and says this.  “Wherever you are, be all there” (p.39).  And this… “Extreme measures bring extreme results” (p.59).  If we are to change the course of our habits, we have to take extreme measures to do so.  And yes, while we may be called weird by the world’s standards, that narrow path, what may be called weird, is the path that leads to God.

Regarding Money, he gives an example of two families.  One family has everything money can buy, but they are empty inside.  Another family doesn’t have much in the way of material possessions, but their house is warm and inviting.  “They’re not just family; they actually seem to enjoy each other – to want to be around one another and share things together” (p.83).  He goes on to say that you can be yourself there, accidently spill without consequence, and there is peace.

This is the chapter that spoke to me the most.  In this day of “Gotta have this, gotta have that,” people buy things they cannot afford.  Maybe the key is to live within your means.  Our family does not have much in the way of material possessions.  However, we make the most of what we do have.  Our boys like being with us.  In fact, given the choice of being in their rooms or being out in the living room with all of us together, they choose the living room every time.  Does that mean we don’t have arguments and get along all the time?  No, it doesn’t.  But it does mean that we spend time together, and all of us enjoy it.  So, call me weird that I’m not out chasing after monetary fantasies, but that’s okay.  The people who live with me are the most important to me, after Jesus, of course.

I especially liked the way he told the story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah in the chapter on Relationships.  This story is so dramatic, and the fact that it’s true even makes it more interesting.  He says that the “transactional attitude” is prevalent in the lives of many couples today (p.108).  If we are honest in our assessment of our marriages, we would probably say that we understand that concept and have maybe even employed it.  This only leads to disappointment and dissatisfaction (p.109).

The chapter on Sex was very interesting.  “According to the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, up to 65 percent of husbands and 55 percent of wives will commit adultery by the age of forty” (p.146).  That broke my heart.  He gave this advice. “When the grass starts to look greener somewhere else, water your own yard!” (p.154)  What a concept!

While raising five boys, talking about sex has become a normal practice in our home.  We try to make our environment a place where our kids can come to us about anything, and they do.  Craig advises us to seek God and His word about sex.  The Bible warns against sexual sin because it’s the only sin that we commit against ourselves (1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sin sexually sins against his own body.”)  And God tells us to flee.  It is the only sin that He tells us to flee from.  He gives some practical guidance to keep sexually pure, a couple of which are these.  “Avoid dangerous places” (p.170), and “Guard your eyes, your mind, and your heart (p.171).

The last chapter is Values.  He tells a story about playing in the ocean and drifting away from the beach house ever so slightly that by the time they realized the house was gone, they didn’t really know exactly where they were.  How many times do we live our lives caught in that type of trap?  We are not intentional with our lives, and we end up someplace we never knew was there and have to go into reverse to get on course again.

As with the other books of Craig Groeschel’s that I have read, I found this book to encouraging, insightful, honest and practical in its application.  It points you straight to the Living God who desires to have a relationship with you.  I’m a little disappointed that I’ve already finished reading it.  I may actually start at page 1 again and take some time to contemplate it more.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone.  In fact, my sixteen year-old is already committing to reading it.  Maybe it will help him in practical ways, too.

Love At Last Sight - Kerry and Chris Shook

As you know by now, I love to read.  I'm not much for fiction, but these real stories really get to me.  When I initially looked at this book to review, I thought it would be about marriage.  I was surprised to find out it was not only about marriage but about the most important relationships in our lives.  Honestly, who wouldn't benefit from making our relationships better?

I think anyone and everyone could benefit from reading this book.  It is practical in its application, gives many scriptural references and asks tough questions that people really need to think about.

It is made to be used for a four-week (thirty-day) study, and the chapters are relevant to real life.  The weeks are broken up this way: The Art of Being All There, The Art of Acting Intentionally, The Art of Risking Awkwardness, and the Art of Letting Go. And then there are daily readings and questions/Challenges.  Not only did I appreciate these subjects that were presented in the book, I appreciated the quotes that were given throughout.  For instance, "If you are going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill" (p.105).  And "Be willing to be uncomfortable.  Be comfortable being uncomfortable.  It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream. Peter McWilliams" (p.119).  These quotes may seem insignificant or small to some, but to me, they were right on target with life.

I did not use this book as the thirty-day study, but I am seriously considering it.  Who wouldn't want to make their relationships better?  I know I do.  I think we all have a lot of work to do inside our most intimate relationships, and Love At Last Sight gives great tools and information that is useful in everyday life.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

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

Blind Hope - Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

I recently read the book, “Blind Hope,” by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher. This book is about “an unwanted dog and the woman she rescued.” Kim Meeder owns and operates the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Oregon with her husband, Troy. They have seen many miracle stories come from their ranch, but this miracle story comes from one of their employees, Laurie Sacher. Laurie has dealt with many sorrows in her life, namely, “guilt, hopelessness, shame, selfishness, pride, fear, sorrow, worthlessness” (p.29).

Laurie heard of some animals that needed rescuing and could not shake the feeling that she was supposed to take one of the dogs (p.13), so she went to the residence. The dog was not at all what Laurie envisioned (p. 15-16).

Meeder tells the story about her visits with Laurie and the stories she tells her about her life with her new friend, Mia. Mia is a blind dog with physical problems. After learning about each other and building trust, Laurie and Mia form a bond that cannot be broken…even in the face of death. And thinking she was doing the right thing by rescuing Mia from a potentially lethal situation, Laurie eventually felt like it was Mia who saved her.

In addition, this story weaves God’s pursuit of and love for Laurie through it. Many people have a skewed view of who God really is, but throughout this story, the reader can see the truth unfold.

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

Lioness Arising - Lisa Bevere

Recently, I have been reading books that challenge me in ways that I needed to be regarding my relationship with God and my faith.  “Lioness Arising,” by Lisa Bevere, continued along that same vein.  This is not a book to make you feel good about yourself but a book to challenge you to get yourself together, make some close and lasting friendships with other women, stand together for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and in return, you will make a difference in your world.

She starts off explaining a dream she had while being pregnant.  It was about a lioness and what she believed she heard as this revelation… “With the birth of this son, you will awaken a lioness” (Bevere, p.3).  As she searched for the meaning of this very vivid dream, she wondered if maybe, despite her past and her present, God believed she was intended for more (p.9). She soon after learned that maybe the “Lioness Arising” was not about her.  Maybe it was a charge for Christian women to rise up together and change our world (p.12).

This book is an encouragement for us to look for ways to, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Bevere examines the lioness and the way she interacts with other lionesses, with her prey, and the way she fiercely protects her young… She talks about the fact that lionesses are loyal to each other in their pride, and they help each other, groom each other, take care of one another’s young, and they are protectors.  These lionesses work together, not separately.  They are stronger when they are together.  This sometimes goes against the grain of the world where women are constantly competing for different types of power.

After reading her book, I am going to be looking into the other books she has written.  Her style is easy to understand and kept my attention.  If I could have read the entire book in one day, I would have.

Lisa Bevere is described on her website this way… Passionate. Edgy. Relatable. Powerful. Funny. This seemed to be true of her as I read through her book.

I would certainly recommend this book to any women who want a challenge to be more so they can do more for others.

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