31 Days to Happiness

Pastor David Jeremiah has written a very practical book in 31 Days to Happiness: How to Find What Really Matters in Life.  This is an easy to read book which is based on the book of Ecclesiastes.  This is not a commentary, yet can be referred to as a practical commentary.  Jeremiah seeks to lead the reader through the life of Solomon as he looks through Ecclesiastes, chapter by chapter. 

Ultimately, Jeremiah's goal is to help the reader understand what Solomon struggled with in his later years, as he exclaimed, "Vanity is vanities, all is vanity."  There was a profound meaninglessness to Solomon, even though he had it all.

Jeremiah breaks the book down into 31 chapters.  Each chapter consists of approximately 10 pages.  It's a book which can be read in a few days, but I would recommend taking your time and digesting what he had to say and how it can relate to our lives.

Jeremiah uses a great number of examples to help the reader understand the attainment and the failures of other people.  31 Days to Happiness was easy to read and understand, but it would have been great if a Study Guide was included in the book.

I received this book at no cost from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Power of a Half Hour

I can't tell you how many times I have said, "I don't have the time."  Or "I planned on doing this and that, but time slipped away and I never got to it."  Does that sound familiar?  Tommy Barnett attempts to answer our time problems in his upcoming book, "The Power of a Half Hour: Take Back Your Life Thirty Minutes at a Time."

There are 30 short chapters in this book, averaging about 8 pages per chapter.  Barnett split the book into 7 Sections, as follows

• Impact
• Purpose and Goals
• Faith
• Character
• Dreams
• Relationships
• Advancing God's Kingdom

In the back of the book is a Study Guide, as well as a one page synopsis of each chapter, which highlights the guiding principle he wants us to put into practice.  This book struck a chord with me as I seek to prioritize my time and be as efficient as possible.  While it was not possible to put every thought into practice.  There are a great deal of nuggets for the reader to take with him or her through Barnett's personal stories and anecdotes.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book.  The main ideas focus on using our time to effect change in the seven areas Barnett discussed.  It's easy to read, understandable and has principles which can help change a person's life.

Pastor Barnett's book will be available December, and would be a great Christmas present. You may watch a brief video about the book at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2013/04/22/video-power-of-a-half-hour-by-tommy-barnett/

I received this book for free from "Water Brook/Multnomah Publishing Group" in exchange for a nonbiased review.