I should have posted this a long time ago, but didn't.
Books are great things. All of us in our family are avid readers. Come to think of it, both of my parents were as well. My dad read everything: newspapers, magazines, novels, "faction or factory" (fiction based on history or a novel set in an accurate historical setting). Maybe one day I'll dig out his copy of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's "Gulag Archipelago" that I've got stashed away.
Anyway, following is a list of the books, along with a brief review, that I've read or am reading. Like my dad, there's quite a variety: history, politics, religion, philosophy, business, parenting. The list will be from most recent to a few years back. Some of these listed will have a separate post with a longer review and information depending how they've struck me.
There's an old addage that goes something like this: leaders are readers and readers are leaders. The older I get, the more I believe it. More importantly, the more I will take advantage of the knowledge that is out there. "Hearing" about something is one thing, reading about it in depth is quite another.
Here it is:
"Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent.
I just finished reading this great little book last night. A good friend gave it to me this past Christmas 2011.
We're only less than one month into the American political season to choose a President, and I just needed a mental rest. I finally picked this book up from my reading pile and literally didn't put it down! Actually finished it in 2 nights. Pretty astounding for a guy who is not a fast reader.
This book is a such a blessing. There is something "drop dead" honest about a child and what and how they experience things. The author Todd Burpo says of his son Colton's innocence and faith (as Jesus said, we are all to have the faith of a child), childlike humility is "not the lack of intelligence, but the lack of guile. The lack of an agenda. It's that precious, fleeting time before we have accumulated enough pride or position to care what other people might think... It is the opposite of ignorance--it is intellectual honesty: to be willing to accept reality and to call things what they are even when it is hard."
I will read this book again and again. And quote from it again and again. Read January 2012. Here's a separate review and information.
"Being George Washington" by Glenn Beck
Normally I'm not a big fan of biographies, but this was different. Aside from the biographical parts, it's written with action; sort of a "dramatized" version that fits in with the Revolutionary Period of our country's history.
Not only an educational read, but a fun read. The man George Washingto is put into full light. It's the kind of book that, as much as you want to plow through and finish, makes you want to put down so that you can ponder various actions and thoughts of the father of our country.
Washington was indispensible. God used him in remarkable ways. He's the kind of man, not just President and leader, that a strong nation needs.
Read December 2011 - January 2012.
"Feelings and Faith" by Brian Borgman
Brian Borgman has become one my favorite pastors. He is orthodox in his teaching and instructing of Biblical truths. After listening to many of his sermons at SermonAudio.com, I had to get this book.
When we understand that we as human beings are created in God's image, we also understand that God created us with many of His attributes to better relate to Him. But sometimes emotions get in the way; not so much with God but with our interpersonal relationships here on earth.
A really good read that pulls out Biblical truths and applies them to daily living and relationships.
"What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert
A pastor friend of mine recommended this little book to me.
It may be small - just over 100 pages and almost pocket-sized - but it's dense.
Usually when asked that question, we respond with either a glib or muddled answer. We're - I'm - not succinct. We - I - need to be succinct.
All Christians, not just teachers and pastors, should have a firm grip on understanding exactly what the Gospel is. We should be able to articulate it at a moment's notice. This book is just the tool I need.
This is my recommendation as a small-group or adult Sunday school course and resource.
Look for my notes and discussion handouts coming soon.
Don't worry, there's a lot more coming... be patient with me!
