BOOK REVIEW: H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick

H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick 

I have been a motivational follower for some time, and have had the opportunity to sit and hear some of the top speakers of this industry. While there has always been a slightly spiritual element to the speakers, and some have cited Bible references, I have found only two books in my 30+ years that have dealt with the subject using the scripture as the base of the discussion. This is the second. I'm not saying that there aren't more out there, but this is only the second in my encounters that I felt worthy even to pick up and read. 

At first, the book has the typical motivational book read about knowing who you are and where you are going in life and I wondered, "Where are the scriptures?" Then, I went back and re-read the preface and understood that we already know the scripture (or should) - so what we need to do is implement the principles. So, I began reading the book in a new light. I saw the habits that he refers to about developing, the goals seeking were already things Jesus taught in the sermon on the Mount and throughout the gospels. It intrigued me that the author brought these principles to play in the ever changing world of today's workforce. Where jobs aren't certain and life is ahead, these principles are good on any resume'.  I also found it enlightening that the author also appeals to other authors and sources to refer the reader to to further equip themselves in the endeavors that he promotes. I also liked the tips that he gives you in each chapter, that act as a personal application of the principles taught in the chapter. He also includes tips from other authors and those considered experts in the field which I thought was a unique twist.

This book gets a high mark from me. I found myself getting involved in the book and wanting to apply what it taught. However, it is not for everyone. If you are wanting to learn how to improve yourself motivationally, and wanting to be a better leader - then this book is a good one to have in your library. It will be one that you go back and re-read and refer to often. In some circles, it could even be used if accompanied by a workbook as a Bible Class on Leadership.  Even if you are not "Biblical" inclined, don't shy away from this book just because it is.  There are good principles taught here that you will find useful and that will make you a better person.

The Reluctant Journey: Fulfilling God’s Purpose for You by Dr. Richard Leslie Parrott

The Reluctant Journey: Fulfilling God’s Purpose for You by Dr. Richard Leslie Parrott

I have found this book interesting, albeit I was skeptical at first. Guess it shows that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover as they say.  There is a lot of reading to go through before you get to the meat of the book, but once there, I found it reflective and inviting. I have read several books on the same theme by more infamous authors and historians. Each was good in their niche, the same as this one is. It shouldn't be looked at for history, archaeology, etc., its theme is spiritual reflection. Why did people take these journeys? How did they get there? What happened along they way? What caused them to become the people of faith that they were?  These are the things that you will find in this book.  It is also equipped with thoughts at the end of the chapter and questions, so it could be used for devotional purposes or small group study.

The only real criticism that I have, is that the copy I have has very light printing. Combined with the paper being darker than normal, while giving the book a neat appearance made it difficult to read.  I don't know if the e-book is better or not, but I did find this a drawback.

Overall I give the book a high rating and recommendation. You won't be disappointed to consider its thoughts, or use it as a class study. 

Jim

BOOK REVIEW: The Hole In Our Gospel by: Richard Stearns

BOOK REVIEW: The Hole In Our Gospel by: Richard Stearns

I must admit, that when I received this book, I did not know what to think. I opened the pages and found it compelling and addressing an issue that has become more and more prevalent in our "mega-church" society. Many churches in our society find themselves or their members find them selves in a pursuit of wealth, comfort, and self-centeredness. Stearns holds no punches, calling people to address this and to understand that being a Christian is more than just forming "a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world.”

The Hole in Our Gospel explores a variety of topics. I found various sections of it interesting and thought provoking. I have always had an interest of how people have come to know God and their journey. He talks about the gospel and his own journey of faith. What I found most compelling, were the many challenges that he states that the poor of the world face and drills down with details, statistics and stories that brings these facts to life. What I found most convicting, is that he also shows how self-absorbed tendencies of people in "developed societies" turn blind eyes to these needs. Very impacting and convicting. In fact, I found pieces of the book (at least in my view) something that I felt that our politicians should read. The latter part of the Hole In Our Gospel is full of practical advice on how to begin addressing poverty and need among us.

What I found a little disappointing in the book, is that it addresses mostly the "mega-church" oriented groups. I belong to a small group in a small town. While I found its advice practical and have put to practice some of the things it mentions, I was left wondering how for instance a church of mostly elderly retired people living on fixed incomes would approach this. Perhaps it is because Mr.Stearns is President of World Vision, that I found most of the things he addresses to be involved in the world at large. What I did not see, was more written on how to address these things in our own small communities that are drying up because of unemployment.

All of this said, overall it is a good book, an interesting read, and full of practical wisdom. I commend him for relating his story of setting aside success for something far more significant. I commend him for taking the Lord's word to heart and putting it to practice and challenge others to follow his example. Read the book, you will not be disappointed. In fact, you may find yourself challenged as I did, that we can always do more than we think that we can.

MOVIE REVIEW: GREEN ZONE

My wife and I went to see Green Zone over the weekend. The movie has had a lot of hype in the media and was touted as another Bourne Identity and Bourne Ultimatum. I have to admit that I came away from the movie disappointed.

Matt Damon, whom I like as an actor plays a man who discovers something is amiss in searching for WMD's in the Gulf War. The plot was good and follows the suspicions of many, that they didn't exist. This said, the movie was rated R and needless to say extremely rough gutter language. That was a turn off, even though it depicts "reality." Just gets tiresome to here every other word be a blankety blank. The plot of the movie was good and the basis for the movie was good. It was action packed as you might expect. Yet, the movie right in the crux of having you going takes a dramatic turn to the disappointing. Enter the bureaucrats who throw around their weight and seek to squash Damon's character from exposing the truth. From that point, the movie loses its wind and gets lost in a fog of twist and countertwists. In fact, you get the distinct impression the movie that it is making an anti-war policy statement.

The movie is based upon a book by Ravi Chandrasekaran, former Baghdad Bureau Chief with the Washington Post and the author of "Imperial Life in the Emerald City." There's a secret informant named "Magellan", loosely based on the discredited "Curveball" and an Iraqi exile waiting to take the presidential reins but the people oppose the imposing of occupational "puppet" rulers. This leaves the person watching the movie with the impression that the Iraqi's would rather have had Hussein and his sons in power than a democratic government.

I guess that whether you enjoy the movie or not will depend on whether you were for the war or against it. AS for me personally, I believe it falls well below the caliber of Bourne Identity or Supremacy. I could have read the newspaper and come away with the same feeling that this movie left me with and spent far less money.

BOOK REVIEW: The Shack by William P. Young

The Shack: William P Young
http://theshackbook.com/

My wife and I read this to one another, and WOW! Normally I don't get "involved" in books like this, but as soon as I started reading, we were hooked.

If you're reading this for the first time, there are some things in this book that are different, but my encouragement to you is stay with it and read it through. You will be the better for it. There are definitely some things in this book that the author deals with on a very personal level and definitely some things that will make you take a look at yourself deeply. One thing that I got out of the book, is not to put your concept of God, nor your thinking of God in a box.

I think that this is a book, that the outcome of the book and the impact will be different, depending upon the person reading it. I was talking with a friend the other day, who didn't have the same reaction that I had to it, but then I spoke with another who came away breath taken.
So...all I can encourage you to do is buckle up and read. Try not to do so with preconceived prejudices. Then...sit down and talk with God about yourself when you get done.

Am I going to tell you what it is about? Its about a visit to "The Shack" Maybe we all need to go to "The Shack" sometimes. I know I do.

BOOK REVIEW: What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

My review of this book is slightly mixed though positive in most respects. Overall, I find the book a very pleasant one, easy to read and understand.

It is written in the form of maxims or principles toward how to find your way to a relationship with God. Written from the perspective of a person that is just beginning this walk, it is simple and to the point. There is good basic advice relevant to modern situations. I was impressed that the writers citation of scripture, that it was not overbearing, or that it made the reading boring.

I also liked the progression of the principles and this was what I found most pleasing about the book. For a person just beginning their journey out of a life of worldliness and into a life of spiritual living, I think this book would be a good gem to have. It was very straightforward, yet kind in its approach in encouraging the taking of the next step. I found myself wanting to read the next principle and then go back and re-read again.

I was surprised to find Bonus Material in the back that I felt very poignant with regard to answering some tough situations that people may be experiencing. Discouragement and Depression, Habits and Addictions, Sex and Intimacy. Wow - this was a great addition to this book!

I came away thinking that I know a young couple that I am counseling with, that I am going to give this book to to read.

Is there anything negative about the book? Not really. My only criticism if you would want to call it that, is that I wish the writers had gone into more detail in some places. But, I am a technical reader and most people are not. So this is not really a criticism as much as an observance.

A good book to recommend and read.