Erase the Negative Chatter!

I have always gone back and forth on how much I like Steven Furtick’s books.  I received this book, Crash the Chatterbox, yesterday and have finished reading it.  I really felt it was an honest and straight forward book.

Pastor Furtick’s premise is that we need to stop listening to the noise, the chatterbox which speaks the negativity in our ears, but which reaches into our hearts, spirits and minds.  This negativity leads us to think and believe we are less than, instead of more than, since we were created in God’s image. 

There’s nothing amazingly new in this book, but it is a great reminder of who we are called to be.  The book is broken into 4 sections.

Section 1: God says I am.
We overpower the lies of the enemy in our insecurities.

Section 2: God says He will.
We overpower the lies of the enemy in our fears.

Section 3: God says He has.
We overpower the lies of the enemy in our condemnation.

Section 4: God says I can.
We overpower the lies of the enemy in our discouragement.

This is an easy read and a helpful book for all people.  I would recommend this book.

No Cape Required Devotion!

I am always on the lookout for devotionals to read for myself, or to read as a family endeavor.  I want something that will engage my teenage sons and this book has a great deal of potential to do that. 

In her book, No Cape Required: 52 Ways to Unleash your Inner Hero, Kristen Parrish provides 52 devotionals, each about 4 pages in length.  They are easy to read and focus on traits found in different characters from different movies, television programs and books.  They range from characters like Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games to John Coffey in the Green Mile to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and more.

She also looks at different virtues for each hero.  These include forgiveness, faithfulness, truthfulness, optimism, strong will, leadership, gallantry, courage and more.  At the end of each chapter Parrish ties the story to a passage of scripture.  Sometimes she might be stretching for a link, but overall, this is a fun book to read as a devotion. 

We need to remember that these are fictional characters and we may not always agree with the character used, but the point she is making is what is important.  So, our focus should be on the positive character and characteristics of these heroes. 

I would recommend this book!





I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Godward Heart by John Piper

Ever since I was in seminary and read John Piper's powerful book, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, I became a John Piper fan.  John's style is straight forward, no punches pulled.  I like that style.

In his newest book, A Godward Heart, Piper invites the reader to go on a journey so that they will experience the power of a relationship with God.  I will admit I didn't expect this book to be quite as heady as it is.  Being more of a devotional book, I expected more cute stories about how to grow in my relationship with Christ.

But I was surprised and challenged by the words of Piper.  The book contains 50 chapters which progress from knowledge of God to where will your final destination leave you.  The chapters are short, usually about 4 pages.  But they will challenge you.

If you are looking for a book which will challenge you, and help you to question what you believe, this is an excellent book.  You can read it quickly, but I would suggest moving through it slowly, so that you gain the most from Piper's words.

This book would make an excellent gift.

I received this book for free from Multnomah Books in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent Teen Devotion by Max Lucado

I am a huge fan of Max Lucado.  I really enjoy his ability to tell stories and get his point across in books and in his messages.  In this book, which is really more of a devotional by Max Lucado is called "One God, One Plan, One Life."  It’s specifically written for teens and adapted by James Lund.

There are readings for everyday.  Each devotion is about one page.  So, the readings are short which works when we are trying to do devotions with two teenage boys.  At the end of each day’s reading there is always a “One More Thought.”  It is an extra reminder of what you just read along with a question for reflection, which allows us to go a little deeper in the devotion.  We always have a conversation about what we’ve read. 

The devotion is not preachy, but Lucado and Lund seek to give life lessons which can be applied on a daily basis.  I would highly recommend this devotion for your children.  It especially works for boys. 

The devotional book itself is hardback, 389 pages, with its own orange ribbon bookmark.  At the back you’ll find Notes (a list of footnotes) and 2 different Bible reading plans (30 Days with Jesus and 90 Days Through the Bible.)

I received this book at no charge from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Nick Vujicic is Unstoppable

I have had this book for awhile and never really picked it up to read.  It’s hard not to view the story of Nick Vujicic without amazement at what he has accomplished.  In his book, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, Nick talks about adversity.  Obviously he has faced more than I can imagine facing. 

Nick was born with no arms or legs, and ever since his teens, he has committed his life to inspiring others to live an abundant life and to accept a relationship with Jesus as Savior.  In Unstoppable, Nick shares more of his story and he includes stories about people he has met and how they have inspired him.

Appearances are obvious when you’re with Nick, but his personality draws people to him and takes away some of the awkwardness of speaking with him.

The main focus of Nick’s story is that he doesn’t need legs or arms to live the life Jesus offers him.  That’s a powerful testimony from Nick.  Nick explains that there is no medical reason why he was born looking the way he is, but he believes God has a great purpose for him in his life, and he is seeking to fulfill God’s calling.

Nick was not bashful to express the highs and lows he has experienced in life, personally, socially and from a business perspective.  This is not a theological book, so don’t expect great theology, this is simply and profoundly a book of encouragement focusing on one man’s journey and how he has overcome, even to the point of getting married (and his insecurities) and now being a father.



Here is a link to an Interview with Glen Beck and Nick

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 .

MESSIAH: ORIGIN

This book reminds me of a Children's Bible, with pictures and scripture, yet this is much more than a Children's Bible.  This is for adults and children to see the Bible in pictures, as well as reading the Word.

This is the first book in a series of books which seek to illustrate through pictures the story of Christ and the Bible. 

This is not the entire Bible or New Testament.  It is a collection of scripture passages, in which we read about the life of Christ, beginning with John 1, and moving on to stories about Elizabeth and Mary, the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Magi, the flight to Egypt and more. 

The authors, Matt Dorff and Mark Arey are true to the scriptures, but do some editorializing (not in a terrible way) and the artistry by Kai Carpenter was great!

Overall, I would highly recommend this book, especially for those who look for visual representations of what they read.  This really helps the visual reader.  The book is engaging and would also make a great gift.  It is available as far as I know in paperback only.

I received this book from Booksneeze for free, in exchange for an unbiased review.

Bible Prophecy made real

After becoming a Christian, I read Hal Lindsay’s book, “The Late Great Planet Earth.”  It was my introduction to Bible prophecy.  I have always been intrigued by Bible prophecy but have stayed somewhat removed from it, because it can be so polarizing.  Yet, after reading this book, “The Holy Land Key” by Ray Bentley, I am intrigued once again.

Bentley approaches prophecy from a very personal, real and relevant standpoint.  He has spent many years exploring Israel from within.  He has traveled to Israel, has met people and talked to people who have helped him better understand the scriptures and their relationship to the nation of Israel and the lives of people who are directly impacted by the events in this holy land.

He takes a direct look at the difficult questions and issues that divide the world when it comes to the future of Israel.  Being raised Jewish I appreciated his love and care for the people of Israel.  I also benefitted from his discussion on the Seven feasts and their relationship to Israel and Christ.

This is an engaging book and will force the reader to open their eyes to what Bentley has written.  I believe you need to approach this book with an open mind, not closed minded and you will greatly benefit from his words.  This is not an easy and quick book to read.  Read it slowly and digest the words Bentley offers about the Israelites and Palestinians.

You can listen to pastor Ray ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1E0zBCojHc



I received this book for free through the "Multnomah Publishing - Blogging for Books” reading program.

HUMILITY - A DEFINITE NEED!

I really enjoy reading books about history, as the books are great tools to learn more about our leaders, their successes and failures.  In his book, "Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue," David Bobb has written a book helping us to see the great character in many of our leaders.

He begins this book by looking at history, including a look at the humblest of all, Jesus.  Bobb quotes scripture as he helps us see the beauty and power of humility.  His focus are five of our nations difference makers ~ George Washington, James Madison, Abagail Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglas.  Prior to his look at Jesus, Bobb begins with a look at Benjamin Franklin.

Bobb is a historian and as such, he understood the challenges and difficulties each person was facing.  This helped me gain a better understanding of their humility and at times how difficult it was to demonstrate.  He concludes the book by looking at the current age and our arrogance and with it, our lack of humility.

This was an excellent book.  It is a short book, but not a quick and easy read.  I would have enjoyed reading about other U.S. historical figures who shaped our nation.  If you enjoy early American history, you will appreciate reading this book.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You can watch an introduction about the book at this link!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT-NvxyLsi4

Great Story of Grace and Forgiveness

I never read Brennan Manning's most popular book, "The Ragamuffin Gospel."  Now, after reading this book, I think I'll have to go back and read his earlier work.  Manning died in April of this year, so this is his last work.

The Prodigal: A Ragamuffin Story centers on a pastor named Jack Chisholm.  Jack was the pastor of a mega church.  He was called the  "the people's pastor" and brought in 4,000 people to worship and even more watching him on television.  He was famous and popular.  He had written several books and was known for his saying, "We have got to do better!"

Now, he's lost.  Everything he worked for is gone.  He was feeling completely lost, he had lost his wife, his daughter, and his church.  Everything which was important to Jack is gone.  He was drinking and ended up committing adultery with his personal assistant, Sally.

Jack is lost and alone, and now he comes in contact with his estranged father.  His father was dead to Jack.  However, his father, Tom Chisholm, is terminally ill, and wants to have a relationship with Jack.  He calls his son home.  Thinking about his father causes Jack to become angrier and angrier.  He had not spoken to his father in over 10 years.  His memories are mixed.  There are great and terrible memories.

So that I don't ruin the story, and you can picture how the story unfolds, I would encourage you to read it, and see the grace and forgiveness that is available and accepted.

This is an excellent book, with the only caveat being the fact that drinking while being one aspect of Jack's sin is used on a fairly regular basis in the book.

I received this book free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.




This is a wonderfully written book with a strong message of love, grace, and forgiveness - a story that could shape the hearts and minds of many. 4 star rating and I highly recommend.

The Pain and Joy of the Plow

Trials and Pain: The Sharp Blade of the Plow

A.W. Tozer was one of the great Pastors, Christian writers and theologians of the 20th century.  I read a daily reading from Tozer and wanted to share todays ---

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. — Hosea 10:12

Tozer writes ~

The fallow field is smug, contented, protected from the shock of the plow and the agitation of the harrow.... But it is paying a terrible price for its tranquility: Never does it see the miracle of growth; never does it feel the motions of mounting

life nor see the wonders of bursting seed nor the beauty of ripening grain. Fruit it can never know because it is afraid of the plow and the harrow.

In direct opposite to this, the cultivated field has yielded itself to the adventure of living. The protecting fence has opened to admit the plow, and the plow has come as plows always come, practical, cruel, business-like and in a hurry. Peace has been shattered by the shouting farmer and the rattle of machinery. The field has felt the travail of change; it has been upset, turned over, bruised and broken, but its rewards come hard upon its labors. The seed shoots up into the daylight its miracle of life, curious, exploring the new world above it. All over the field the hand of God is at work in the age-old and ever renewed service of creation. New things are born, to grow, mature, and consummate the grand prophecy latent in the seed when it entered the ground. Nature's wonders follow the plow. Paths to Power, 31-32.

Prayer - "Lord, make me a cultivated field.  I suspect the price will be high, but I long to bear fruit for Your glory.  Do the hard work of the farmer in my life today. Amen."

10 Good Men

We all need mentors and encouragement! Men, women and children need people in our lives who can help us grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically. Patrick Morley’s book, “How God Makes Men” attempts to give us men some biblical examples of men who can help us in our daily lives.

Morley looks at 10 different men from the Bible ~ Abraham Moses Gideon David Solomon Nehemiah Job Peter, and Paul.

The book is written in an easy to read format. The hope is that the reader will be able to identify with the different Biblical characters and continue in the change process. Morley identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each person discussed. He does not try to sugar coat their faults, but looks at them with realism and then leads us to see their accomplishments and encourages men to move forward from their faults, sins and mistakes.

This book can be read individually or as a group study. At the end of every chapter, Morley includes questions for reflection and discussion, as well as a study guide for a group study at the end of the book.

I believe Morley could have gone a little deeper with some of the characters he wrote about. For example, he really does not touch on Gideon’s shortcomings, which would have been relevant for our time. In addition, while he wanted to discuss Biblical men, he missed talking about Jesus as the ultimate Man

In spite of this, I still appreciated this book, and it may make a nice Christmas present for the man in your life who seeks to grow in all aspects of his life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 

From Little Boy to H.E.R.O.

"Raising Boys By Design" by Gregory L. Jantz, and Michael Gurian is a book I wish I had read when my boys were younger.  This is an excellent resource which helped me better understand my role as a father to two teenage boys.  The authors don’t tell you what to do on every aspect of raising boys, since every person is different, but there are great learning tools, in which I could see myself and what I’ve done correctly and what I’ve messed up on. 

Reading this book will help me to be a better father, to encourage and strengthen my boys to become mature and Godly, Christ centered men of God.  The book is broken into two sections.  The goal of the first section is to help the reader understand God’s plan for boys.  They do this by helping us understand boys develop differently than girls.  In addition, they explain what boys learn from moms and what they learn from dads.  They generalize, but are pretty much on target with what they write.

The second section is an attempt to put it all together.  The goal is to have our boys be H.E.R.O.s for God.  They use the acronym HERO, which means ~

Honor: adhering to truth, values and principles beyond self
Enterprise: working at important things whether they seem small or large
Responsibility: carrying important things and people throughout life
Originality: being a dreamer, a thinker, an explorer in the world

The goal, then is to enhance and develop these areas in your boys.  While all of our children, boys and girls have similar struggles, they often go about dealing with them and resolving them in different ways.  Again, the authors seek to explain how to help our boys develop by writing about areas such as — character and self-discipline, protecting their heart, sexuality, school, technology, and move forward into the world.

Overall, this an excellent resource to have.  I hope to reread this book and share it with my boys so they know I am invested in their future, and am trying to be a better father to the boys God has blessed me with.

I received a review copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

The Global War on Christians

I'm not really certain why I requested this book to review.  Reading previews was rather disconcerting, and maybe that's why I wanted to read this book.  In our part of the world, as scary as some things may be, we really have no threat of physical persecution.

In this book, The Global WAR on Christians: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Anti-Christian Persecutions, John Allen Jr. brings this unknown world to reality in ways I had not heard.  Is this propaganda?  I don't believe so.  Yet, we move along remaining ignorant (not always our choice) because this is so under reported by the media.

Yet, interestingly, Newsweek Magazine found it important to release an issue in February 2012, which featured a cover story by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.  Ali has a storied past, and is from Somalia and considers herself an atheist.  Yet the cover of Newsweek in this issue is below. 

It's a poignant reminder of the war which is being waged against Christians outside of the United States. What bothered me is the fact that this is well known, but so little is seemingly being done to help the innocent victims, many who are being tortured and left to live in disgusting conditions.

I can list many, many atrocities being committed against Christians, some because they are preaching Christ, some because they are simply Christian and they are not following the state mandated governments.  Each chapter is separated by region of the country, as Allen gives numerous examples of crimes being committed about Christ followers.

As you read this book, you will also learn that in many of the countries where these crimes are being committed, the authorities of the country's in which these are occurring have turned a blind eye to the crimes.

John Allen offers thoughts about "what can be done."  Yet, it seems so miniscule.  He does recognize that, but adds, 'we have to start with small steps' which ultimately grow into something big.  He recommends starting with prayer, donations in a micro fashion, getting involved and learning more so we can speak about the atrocities, speak out about what is happening, think globally about the church.

Overall, this was not a fun book to read, but I am so glad I read the book, so I can gain a better awareness of how followers of Jesus Christ are being treated.  We spend way too much time in our country bickering about right and left; when people are being killed, as Allen states at the rate of 10 Christians per hour every hour of the day, every day!

I received this book for free from Random Books, in exchange for an impartial and honest review.

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. 

The REAL Win

The Real Win: A Man's Quest for Authentic Success

Most men attempt to measure success through external means.  We count our coins, our toys, our pride and ego; yet in the end we often find ourselves empty and still wanting more from life.  In this book, The Real Win: A Man's Quest for Authentic Success, Colt McCoy and Matt Carter correctly state,

"The real win means trusting the Lord, walking with Jesus, and living your life in the way he defined it."  They state men can get the REAL WIN in four main areas of their lives ~

Winning at home – by leading your family as you demonstrate your love of Jesus to your spouse and children.

Winning at work – we need to remember that we work for God, and our work does not consume us and become an idol.

Winning the Character game – we turn to Jesus for help which produces greater character within us. 

Winning the future – as we allow God to mold and refine us.  This occurs through the good times and the difficult times of life.

I was not sure I wanted to read this book.  It’s just another sports book, but I was struck by the sincerity of McCoy on his young journey in life.  He was an outstanding college player, but has not hit it big as some thought in the NFL.  Yet, he writes with powerful honesty about his struggles in all areas of life. 

This is an excellent book for men.  Along with that, my wife picked up the book and really enjoyed reading it as well. 

There is also a study guide for a men’s small group discussion in the back of the book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Fight: Winning our Battles

I’ve read a lot of books for men.  How to be the spiritual leader of the home, how to be the man of the family, how to be a better father, etc.  In his book, Fight: Winning the Battles that Matter Most, Craig Groeschel has written a book about how men were called to be warriors.  He’s pretty clear that this is a book for men, and not for women.  He even encourages women to put the book down.  I didn’t appreciate that, because if this book really applies to me, then it would be great for my wife to read this book.

In essence, Groeschel explains men are designed to by God to be holy warriors.  I don’t really disagree with that thesis, because most men do want to be the warrior and show their mate how they will fight for her.  They (we) want to be the knight in shining armor to rescue our damsel, who’s in distress.

I was surprised Groeschel chose to be base the book on the life of Samson.  While there are many positives we can take from Samson’s life, I find as many negatives and things I should not be doing.  The purpose of choosing Samson is to teach what was right and what was wrong.  Groeschel was able to help me learn more through his study, but I still felt Samson could have been one part of the picture, and he could have used other biblical characters to help bring home the point about what men should be like.

Groeschel pointed out how men usually show emotion by demonstrating anger as opposed to the many other emotions which are within us.  He concludes or surmises that possibly that anger is really self-directed, or directed toward God, and others.  Anger usually is what will drive a man to action.  He also speaks about other issues such as greed, envy, and lust.

This is a pretty short and easy read.  I think most men will see themselves at various points in the book.  Groeschel’s goal is for men to take over the spiritual leadership in their families and to move closer to holiness through self-discipline.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

God UN-Distorted

I was not certain I wanted to read this book.  I had some ambivalence towards it, but I am glad I read the book, God Distorted, by John Bishop.  In short, Bishop seeks to help those who have had less than ideal fathers by discussing a number of perceptions and realities we've experienced with our earthly fathers and how they shape our view of God.

He writes about ~

1. The father who was absent.
2. The passive father.
3. The demanding father.
4. The enabling father.
5. The controlling father.
6. The abusive father.
7. The accusing father.

After writing about this, he then contrasts these father images with positive images of God, writing about God the Father who is always with you, who is in perfect control, the God who is safe, and etc.

Finally, in the third section, Bishop attempts to get more practical and helps the reader put things together to better understand what they can do to cultivate a better relationship with God, even though their earthly father has helped skew their view of the true God.

Overall, this is a very good book and one which is helpful to read.  Bishop didn't have the idyllic life either.  His father died in a drunk driving accident when he was four years old.  As he wrote the book, his own son was in jail.  So, there is an authenticity behind much of what Bishop wrote.

At times, admittedly, it seemed a little slow, especially when reading areas which didn't necessarily apply to me, yet, I would recommend this book, as it can be a source of healing.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah books from bloggingforbooks.org

Fearless and Courageous

I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book.  I’m not fully certain why, maybe partly because I knew how it would end, I knew where the book was headed.  Yet, Fearless is an excellent book.  It’s not just a military book, it’s the story of a man, a hero, a man who was fearless with his life, willing to sacrifice for others. 

Sadly, most of the press we receive about the wars we are engaged in are negative.  While there is sadness in this book, we see Adam Brown as a valiant man who placed God first, even though he had to endure consequences from his sins and mistakes.  Brown's life was changed when he met Jesus in a grimy Arkansas jail cell.  His problems didn't go away, but his life dramatically changed.  He became a changed and different man.  He was devoted to his wife, family and his Navy SEALs team.

The author did his work.  He spoke to family and friends of Adam Brown.  We learn about the dedication Adam had in overcoming many injuries to become a SEAL.  We gain insight into the generosity Adam displayed to people wherever he went.  He even helped organize a drive in his church to send shoes to Afghan children when he learned they had to wear open sandals during the cold and brutal mountain winters.  He tried to make the world a better place by making a difference in the lives of others.

His loyalty to his team was shown in their loyalty to him.  When he was shot multiple times and badly wounded his team made heroic efforts to save him and get him to a hospital.  This was a powerful book to read.  It pulled my emotions in many directions.  I would highly recommend this book to others.

I received this free book from Blogging for Books, from Multnomah Press.  My opinions are based on my reading of this book and I was not compelled to give a positive review.

Be Intentional and read Intentional Walk

Intentional Walk; An Inside Look at the Faith That Drives the St. Louis Cardinals by Rob Rains is a powerful collection of stories about a number of players on the St. Louis Cardinals players and coaches. 

Admittedly, I’m not a Cardinals fan, but I grew in appreciation for the players on the Cardinals.  This is not just a baseball book, telling funny anecdotes, but it’s a mini biography on many players.  As they share stories about triumphs, mistakes and the many ways they overcame their struggles. 

This is a book about the faith of these players.  They aren’t afraid or embarrassed to talk about their faith and share how they’ve overcome and succeeded as they sought God, whether early in their career, or near the end.  There was also a section about the 2012 playoffs in which the Cardinals lost to the Giants.

I was sold on this book in the Introduction.  Mike Matheny wrote a letter to parents when coaching his son’s little league team, and while it was a long letter, he wrote this, “I always said that the only team I would coach would be a team of orphans, and now here we are.   The reason for me saying this is that I have found the biggest problem with youth sports has been the parents.  I think the concept I am asking all of you to grab is that this experience is ALL about the boys.”  I’ve always wanted to say something like that.  Great statement by Matheny.  He also makes no apologies about being a follower of Jesus in that letter.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from free from www.booksneeze.com to read and review. The opinions above are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.