Max on Life: A Review

I read Max when I first came to know Jesus.  For a while I felt like I “knew” Max. 

Up until about 10 years ago, I read every single book he had written . . . in fact, I read them before he wrote them.

Just kidding. 

But something changed.  I changed.  My walk with the Lord changed.  Instead of powerful stories or topical sermons . . . I really wanted to understand the words in the Bible for myself.  I wanted to know what Jesus really meant . . . the full context of a powerful statement.

Or . . . the culture behind Paul’s message.

I really wanted to pedal my own bike, I suppose.  And the more grounded I became, taking the spiritual training wheels off of my Bible, the less I read of Max Lucado’s work.

Max was/is an excellent teacher – the “Strider” in my life. . . someone that I grew under as I drafted off of him. 

Don’t get me wrong.  Max Lucado is an excellent writer.  He paints a picture with words – a true talent and gift of the Lord.  But I wanted the inspired Words of God to paint my spiritual backdrop. 

I like a good book . . . this you well know if you read my blog regularly. 

However, when it comes to pumping air into the tires of my spiritual 29’er . . . give me Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… of my faith.  Give me my Bible.

That said . . . Max on Life is a book filled with questions from Max fans . . . someone like the Jodi of 10 years ago.  And those questions are answered by Max, the author.  Kind of like a call-in radio show… only in a book.

Most likely, I would not have bought the book.  But I would go to a bookstore on a date night and flip through the book looking for a soul stirring question to discuss with the Engineer. 

If you’re a Max fanatic . . . sprint . . . don’t roll to the store for this book.  But if you are a nominal fan and aren’t into books that are set up as a call-in radio show . . . don’t purchase the book.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review Max on Life.  I was not paid for this post and was encouraged to freely give my opinion.

Beyond Opinion: A Review

I am a big fan of Ravi Zacharias.  Many moons ago the Hottie and I read a book by Zacharias called I, Isaac, take Thee, Rebecca.  To this day it remains one of our favorite books that we have used as a marriage devotional. 

Before I go further, you might ask the question (in a few moments), “What is an apologist?”  According to Miriam Webster’s Dictionary it is “one who speaks in defense of someone or something.”  So in the case of Ravi Zacharias, he is writing in defense of Christ.  Except, Zacharias is anything but defensive. 

Beyond Opinion is not light reading material.  It really is a book that I would have rather read in a group than alone, in order to discuss.  And I would have benefited from reading it during a less stressful season in my live to significantly process the content.  However, it does contain a refreshing look into apologetics that seeks to equip a lover of Jesus to share their faith and answer tough questions in a relational manner rather than with persuasive arguments. 

Ravi, along with several other  learned apologists, seek to equip the believer so that they are “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect“(1 Peter 3:15).

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me this book to read and review.  I was not paid for this post nor do I have to return the book.  I am sure that the Hottie will want to read it one of these days . . .

Kabul 24 -- A Review

Kabul24 has been my night time reading for the past few weeks. The mere fact that I actually finished it, processed it, and dialogued with the Hottie Hubby about the book (but wasn’t required to) should say something.

I wanted to read a book where I wasn’t “learning” something, but could instead be transported to a land with different circumstances, food, and customs -- yet not leave the safety of my own home. I am drawn to any book that remotely reminds me of my time overseas with the Hottie Hubby in India.

I had read the book Prisoners Of Hope, by Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, several years ago. Kabul24 is the same story but relayed to us from the understanding of authors, Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson, as told to them. (Note: Ben Pearson is a key character in Donald Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.) A large portion of the content is on the thoughts and experiences of Georg Taubmann, the current Shelter Now International (SNI) Director, and Peter Bunch, a former SNI worker. The prisoners were held captive under the Taliban regime for 105 days.

The book documents the faith and perseverance of the SNI workers. It clearly depicts their steadfast efforts to honor God and be respectful of the customs and people in the land of Afghanistan. It resembles a modern day account that mirrors the miraculous escapes that we read about in the New Testament.

The book is enjoyable. That seems rather trite of me to say. What these people experienced for the cause of Christ is commendable. They relied on the Word that they had memorized, used praise and worship, were united in the fellowship of believers, had relatively little personal artifacts, and yet still retained a steadfast hope in the Living God. Truly it makes me ponder and consider, “What am I willing to die for?”

I recommend that you ask for this book at Christmas, visit your local library, or find it at PaperBackSwap.

Please know that Thomas Nelson did not pay me to write this blog post. All thoughts and comments are written using my brain and two little hands. BUT I received this book for free.

Technorati Tags: Thomas Nelson Publishers,Kabul24

I'm Going to Find Success Differently than Marcus Recommends

I'll be honest, most of the books I read talk about God--more specifically, Jesus. And if the book isn't about Jesus, then it is probably about parenting (which still talks about Jesus) and some sort of whole-food book (which to be honest, recently have also talked about Jesus).

Source:  Accredited Online Degrees

So, if a book doesn't start out about Jesus, it isn't a book from my book club, or it failed to come highly recommended from a friend, then reading said non-Jesus book is laborious.

Say that word out loud. It really is quite a fun word. Laborious.

Now, don't get me wrong. Some Jesus books are written by very boring authors and I have quietly put those books up on my www.paperbackswap.com account. Shhh!!!

However, I thought that I would read Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham, since Thomas Nelson sent it to me (for free) to review. And thankfully Thomas Nelson encourages us to be honest. They aren't afraid of a little constructive criticism--I love that.

So here it is. I am putting Marcus Buckingham's book up on my www.paperbackswap.com account. I will not be eating a bowl of granola with this one!

I guess I may end up being a failure in life and never be happy, but if your life, your soul, your goal doesn't begin at the foot of the cross, I don't think that you can ever achieve happiness or true success.

To anyone who disagrees with this statement, I'm sorry. But Jesus has changed my life. I don't always act like I have a changed life, but with God's help I certainly try. Moving on.

Marcus Buckingham seems like a very intelligent and successful individual. He has helped countless professional women find their mojo (the ability to enjoy life with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart), live with purpose, and seemingly improve their quality of life. Heck, he worked with Oprah! And by the world's standards, that is success.

But success, to me, is that my kids grow up to follow Jesus. Success is not getting angry all day. Success is excelling at the profession of motherhood. Success is loving passionately. If the result of these things makes me influence the world, great. However, I am content to rest securely knowing that through Christ alone I am successful.

So, here is the title to my book: Find Your Strongest Life in A Savior: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Read Everyday.

Giveaway #6: Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

Note: I am veering away from the traditional format of how I write my book reviews, because this book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller struck a rather personal chord within me.

I often remember scenes in my life by what music was playing or popular at the time. For example, remember the song Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart? I was playing in my neighbor's front yard and we had to sing that song to enter the forest hideaway on the side of their house. What about the hip hop She Drives Me Crazy by the Fine Young Cannibals? Envision my sister and I riding in her Chevy Blazer as we act like idiots opening and closing our mouth like a large Bass. Or each time the Hottie Hubby and I went mountain biking in college we blared Too Much to Say by The Dave Matthews Band. India is fondly remembered by Sting's song Fields of Gold. Skiing with the Hottie Hubby was always preceded by Love, Liberty, Disco by the Newsboys when we lived in Colorado.

No music was playing when I read Miller's new book, but if there had been, U2's album No Line On the Horizon would be the elevator music in the background. This work (U2's) as a whole, sounds like the theme track of a life, my life (right now). It isn't that the words necessarily resemble my life . . . though some do . . . but the way the music moves from its highs to its lows. I can't explain it any more than that because I am clueless regarding musical terms.

Donald Miller's latest book is filled with random stories and events, much like my comments above. Upon closing the book at 10:58 PM last night, after reading to the Hottie Husband over the phone for an hour, I was left with two thoughts to ponder:

1. The book is so random that I am not sure what I just read.
2. The book is a lineup of seemingly random events that make up 250 pages of Donald Miller's life. Isn't that like my life? Random events that together create my life . . . my story. And it is a beautiful thing.

But random events, random scenes create defining moments. Thus, this book has me pondering my life . . . the story God has me living out.

Miller's book helped me realize and accept the fact that I am a dreamer and it's OK for me to be such. God created many types of people. We need them all. The world does need me in a small way. But at times, I am wracked with guilt because I so desperately want to act upon my dreams, but don't feel it would be logical or important. I want to create an insinuating event that spawns action in my life, in my family, and even in the world. I don't want to do this alone. I want a shared event, connecting my random existence (I know that God didn't create me randomly, don't worry--I'm not questioning my existence within God's plan) with another to make the experience, the new memory concrete and impactful.

I've come to realize that I have been created with a longing for action intentionally. It allows me to be a part of God's work. And truthfully, I wish to employ a lot more action in my life, alongside my family.

So world, watch out. I am looking, watching, and praying. I am preparing to create an impact, fuel a mission, and touch something larger than me.

And while I do that, I will begin with being fully present in the now. Enjoying the temporary events, the seemingly random events that really aren't random.

So was this a good book?

Yes.

Did I agree with everything?

No.

Did Donald Miller make me think?

Probably too much!

Was it worth the read?

Definitely. It was a great shared experience with the Hottie Hubby.

Want to win it? Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me two copies . . . one for me and one to give away!

Giveaway #6
Donald Miller's new book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Tell me something that you need to do to live more "presently" and "fully" in your world. Or tell me about a dream you have and desire to turn it into reality.
   
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
   
3. Become one of my fans if you aren't already!
   
4. Become a follower of me on Twitter or Facebook . . . leave separate comments for this. And if you want another entry, become a follower of Donald Miller . . .@donmilleris.
   
5. Write a blog post about an event that changed your life and leave a link back to your post.
   
6. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll in a continuously visible location, not just a blog post.
   
7. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
8. Check out Donald Miller's blog (www.donmilleris.com or website www.donaldmillerwords.com) and tell me something you learned.
   

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 10/6/09

The Jesus Book by Stephen Elkins

You know that you are a blogger when your children participate and offer suggestions to help your blog out.

I happened to be sitting by Mr. Smackdown one morning, prayerfully attempting to decide what book to review for Thomas Nelson.  I had my heart set on a particular book which shall remain nameless, mostly because I forget what it was named.

Anyway, Mr. Smackdown tore his eyes away from Curious George, which is when I take time to blog, and said,

"Mommy, can you have the mailman bring us that book?"  

OK.  Prayer answered.

So is the book kid friendly?  You bet!  My son wanted it on the computer screen.  And once it became a physical book in our hands, it has yet to disappoint us.

I love this book because you can use it on a variety of levels.  For example, you could . . .

1. Only read the title of the page, (i.e.) "The angel said Jesus was the son of God." Then look and talk about the picture featured on that page.
2. Read the title of the page and read the small devotional about the title, in addition to discussing the picture.
3. Grab your Bible, read the suggested passage, and discuss the above two ideas.

No matter how you use this book, Stephen Elkins takes huge adult concepts and breaks them down to bite sized pieces. 

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 19: 14)

Rather than read this book in one setting, Hottie Hubby has been reading 1-3 stories each night before bedtime.  Each night they are able to crawl up into their daddy's lap, and come and hear about who Jesus really is in a memorable way.  The kiddos also have REALLY enjoyed the pictures, drawn by Claudine Gevry. 

I'd have some granola and read this book!

I Can Be Fearless

Fearless is Mr. Me-Too jumping off the couch and trusting that you will catch him, even if YOU weren't planning on this Olympic event. Fearless is Mr. Smiley enthusiastically climbing the stairs with no one behind him to catch him when he teeters from looking down at his independent accomplishment. Fearless is Mr. Smackdown wading out into the lake with a big smile on his face. Fearless is the Hottie Hubby learning to snowboard or jumping off a high cliff on our honeymoon. And my fearless event . . . perhaps having a baby at home.

Fear is shown as I am apprehensive to place our U2 tickets in Hottie Hubby's car, out of a crazy fear that the car might get stolen. (Who cares about the car; I want to go to the concert.) Fear is cringing at the thought of leaving the drier on when we leave the house, even though there is only 5 minutes left in the cycle. Fear is wondering if my doctor really washed his hands with soap before he touched me.

I must admit that it has been a long time since I read a Max Lucado book. When I first began my friendship with Jesus in high school, I devoured Max's books. They provided the mortar to solidify my new faith, filling in the cracks with understanding.

But then I started reading books about biology, accounting, teaching . . . marriage . . . kids, etc. Through the Thomas Nelson Blogger Review program, I was given the opportunity to revisit Max Lucado with his latest book, Fearless.

I heartily and robustly proclaim that this is a must read, and perhaps a keeper on your bookshelf. Though I am 16 years old in the Lord, I was encouraged and challenged to evaluate areas in my life where I struggled with doubt, fear, and mistrust. That probably doesn't sound like an appealing book to read . . . who wants to be reminded of their fears? But trust me, Max leaves you with a feeling (based on the firm foundation of the Bible) of hope, confidence, and trust in the purposes of God.

Even better than just reading this book, discuss the contents of this book with a trusted friend or a support group. Located in the back of the book, are discussion questions that will really help to reinforce and remind us of the timeless truths found in this book.

Oh, and I know that you are waiting to hear my favorite chapters . . . 10, 11, 12. I'll keep the titles a secret, so you can go check the book out!