20,000 Days and Counting

*Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for my fair and unbiased review.*

20,000 Days and Counting was recommended to me by a blogger I respect very much. I'll admit when I found it available for review, I was very excited and ready to take on the challenge no doubt contained within its pages. What I found, however, was not a silver bullet against apathy, but a proven course of action to make living a life of fullness possible no matter your circumstances.

20,000 Days and Counting is a straightforward book with very little extraneous material. The sub-title is that it is a "crash course" on mastering your life, and it is certainly that. The chapters are short and practical. There's no room for platitudes and cliche's. Mr. Smith is keen to make his point which I feel is summed up best in chapter 5: "If We Can Learn how to Die, We'll Know How to Live". Though an oft-repeated idea for fans of the film "Braveheart," the notion of a well-examined life is ancient and one worth taking seriously in the 21st century. Our days are limited, we can fill them with self-help books and fad diets, or we can focus our attention on the things which are most important in our lives. "You only have two choices," Mr. Smith admonishes his reader, and each day--every decision--is down to two options and YOU are responsible for making the best use of your decision.

This book was a quick read, but a powerful one. I found myself encouraged and challenged to make the decisions to take responsible control of the life I have been given. Section 3 is where the practicality really takes root, but without the philosophy and encouragement from sections 1 and 2 the simple, straightforward, steps will be be useless. Read this book through, put it in practice, and live in freedom.

Father Hunger

*Disclaimer*
I received a copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Below is my unbiased review of the title.

Father Hunger, by Douglas Wilson was a well written, engaging, and challenging treatise on the role of fathers in the lives of families. Where so many families in North America and around the world experience the want of a strong father figure, it is no wonder that boys and girls, men and women, struggle with identity, self assurance, and broken relationships of their own. As Wilson traces the economic, sociological, anthropological, and spiritual elements of fatherhood and its essential role in developing--not just strong men--but also strong women in every society.

Wilson's expertise has been felt throughout the Christian education and parenting movements for the past several decades. He is a well-known speaker and one of the founding members of New Saint Andrews College in Idaho. He is currently involved very heavily in the Classical Education revival, and this book speaks volumes to the vital role of parents (especially fathers) in the education and spiritual formation of their entire families. Wilson argues that it is not just children who long for a father, but that fathers long to be the father that they wish they had had. Ever since the Fall, humanity has been a wandering child at odds with its loving and compassionate Heavenly Father. No wonder then that we can't seem to get the role of fathers correct in our society at large.

Wilson makes an impassioned, educated plea to men and women to embrace a full masculinity which is rooted and framed in the person of Christ and the Fatherhood of God and to use this archetype to shape the spiritual and emotional stability of men in our society. It is not enough for a few to "get it right" it is vital to our continuance as a nation that we get this right. And though he would probably cringe to be placed in the same paragraph with him, the message from President Obama regarding absentee fathers is very much the same. Highly recommend.

"Gold"en Moment for Cleave

I finished reading Gold, by Chris Cleave last night, and I had to take time to write a review. Rarely has a book moved me so much as did Cleave's emotional, human masterpiece about Olympic cyclists, their families, and the lives we touch every day.

Zoe and Kate are best friends--they are also rivals. They have come of age together in British Cycling with Kate always just in Zoe's shadow. With the 2012 Olympics coming in London, these two girls are a shoe-in for the Women's Sprint. Zoe--hard and driven, aloof and antisocial--and Kate: warm, tender, and caring for her eight-year-old daughter Sophie who is battling leukemia. Their relationships are strained once the IOC decides that only one racer in each event will be allowed to compete. Will Zoe sacrifice her third Olympic gold for the sake of her friend and rival who has missed her shot at two prior Olympics?

The real heart of this story, for me, was Sophie. Her imaginative telling of her battle against cancer (a la Star Wars) is endearing and heartbreaking. As the father of two little girls, I found myself relating to Jack (Kate's husband, Sophie's father, and Olympic champion) and his struggle to be the husband, father, champion he is called to be. More than once I found myself in tears remembering visits to the hospital with my own daughters, and the horrible feeling of helplessness which attends those long hours when you don't know what will happen next.

This story is full of very human characters, strong narrative, and a clever wit which makes it an easy page turner. I highly recommend Gold, by Chris Cleave and look forward to reading his other works.

Not his best

Increasingly, John Maxwell's books are just rehashes of the same material. In [[ASIN:1400203597 The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization]]he discusses the various levels of leadership and input that an individual can have in any organization. Though certainly helpful in breaking down stereotypes and encouraging readers to show their colors no matter where they find themselves, I did not find this book to be anything overly thrilling. An easy read, a good premise, not anything he hasn't said in other works or previous books. Overall 4 stars, but lacks the carpe diem moment to really earn that fifth "Wow" start out of me.

*Disclosure* I received a copy of this book as part of Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze Program.

Not enough good words

I received [[ASIN:1595549099 The Realms Thereunder (An Ancient Earth)]]from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of their Booksneeze review program in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

I don't have enough good things to say about this book. I have been wading through the morass of poor popular fiction and it is so refreshing to find a work of fiction combining the imagination, literary depth, and story telling expertise in works like Potter, Tolkien, and Lewis with the characterization, plot, and excitement of books we call "classics." Across the dark realms of modern "literature", this rises like the sun on the horizon, bathing the landscape in its light. I may seem to be gushing, but every word is true. This is an excellent piece of fiction, and I cannot wait for the second book.

The readers move back and forth between "Before" and "Now" as Daniel and Freya (two reluctant adventurers thrown together by fate and a shared birthday) are caught in a game of good versus evil. As children, Daniel and Freya accidentally stumble into an underground realm where they must (Potter-esque) destroy the heart of their enemy which he has removed from his body and hidden from view for his protection. They encounter a world that exists beneath their own, guarded by sleeping knights who are set to awaken when the final battle begins. As adults, Daniel and Freya are hunted by this same evil force in their own world. Caught up in the mystery of the nature of good and evil, Daniel and Freya must find their role in this world. Insightful without being preachy, Lawhead has crafted excellent fiction.

This was a breath of fresh air. I am a huge fan of this new author and I am so excited to finish the trilogy. This is one of the few books I have ever listed as "must reads" for anyone. Especially good if you enjoy mythology and fantasy, but equally appealing to readers of more modern fare (Harry Potter, Inheritance, etc.). Enjoy!

Review: Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

**Disclaimer**
I am reviewing this book for Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program.

I have been blessed in my young married life with two beautiful daughters, currently 2 and 1. It has been as both a blessing and a source of concern and confusion for me as I try to be a father to truly extraordinary women who love God, love their families, and make an impact on the world. How does one do this? What does it take to raise a daughter who is both feminine and self-confident. This book is not the ultimate handbook in how to raise a strong woman, but it is a treatise in the powerful influence a loving, strong father can have on a young woman that will carry over into her adult years.

Being that my daughters are 2 and 1, we don't do a lot of dating. Since reading this book, however, I have been more intentional about the type of time that I spend with each of them. They're currently in the Do Something stage. We don't have deep conversations that edify and challenge their worldview, but I listen to their stories, read books with them, sing songs, cuddle, do yoga, go on the swings, eat icies, and play ball with them for the hours that I have between work and bedtime.

This book has been a very important part of my development as a dad of daughters. It's a badge I now wear with pride and honor. This is one book that I won't be giving away: you'll have to buy your own. I want this on my shelf throughout my daughters' lives; and I hope to be applying its principles year after year, stage after stage. Also, I'm an otter.

You had me at 'Howdy'

**Disclaimer I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Charlatan's Boy is the most original novel that I have read since Harry Potter.  The voice is unique on the contemporary American stage and the setting created by the author is engaging, charming, and totally believable!  As a lover of Mark Twain's American satire, this book had a real draw for me.  The vocabulary, style of writing, and well-crafted narrative were a true joy to experience as a casual reader and a nice break from the heavier scholastic works that I have as part of my regular diet.

The story follows Grady, an orphan adopted by a showman in an imaginative world called Corenwald.  Picture the Old West or the Deep South of the Mark Twain styling placed on an island somewhere on the globe.  Initially, the cover and design were part of the draw and attraction for the story.  It's as though everything about this book draws you into the story created and told by Dr. Rogers.  Even the cover art and design are reminiscent of cowboys, snake oil salesmen, and itinerant "lecturers" common in the US during the late 19th century and into the early 20th.  From the first few words of the story you are introduced to a lovable hero.  We follow Grady and his "partner" in crime as they try to scrape and scheme their way to the fortune they know that is out there waiting for them.  Through swamps, cattle ranges, and podunk villages we follow one hilarious anecdote after another until the final moment of truth.

The book was a very fun read.  There are a few problems that keep it from being a five-star in my book.  The "reviews" on the back and inside covers make it a point to call it "faith fiction" or "if Mark Twain were a Christian" or "If C.S. Lewis wrote Huckleberry Finn".  I understand that the publisher is an organization which produces Religious books and that the author is a graduate of Furman University and is unashamed of his religious faith.  However, this book is NOT "faith fiction".  This book is an whimsical story which certainly has a biblical worldview and moral lessons, but it is not an allegory or "Christian" book a la much of the contemporary "religious fiction" available today.  If I were to pick this book up and read those reviews, having no interest in "faith fiction," I would put it back down again and not give it the time of day--let alone the fact that Mark Twain was a Christian and wrote incredibly powerful books with strong moral truths.

The book definitely falls flat at the end.  Everything was wonderful right up until the last two chapters.  I'm not sure if Dr. Rogers got bored, was rushed, or just had no better idea; but not only was this ending incredibly predictable, but it was a poorly written predictable ending!  I was completely sold on the story right up till the last six pages.  I'm still feeling as though I was robbed of a proper resolution.

So much missing

Defiant Joy, by Kevin Belmonte

It seems as though the growing interest among Protestants for more ancient Christian traditions has grown beyond the subtle religious symbolism of Tolkien and the quiet Catholocism of Lewis into the realm of Chesterton's bold religious affections. Orthodoxy is quoted in increasing frequency among the so-called "emergent movement," and a few of these authors are going so far as to list Chesterton among the most influential in their theology. Mr. Belmonte's work is a fair treatment of Chesterton's corpus, but sadly lacking in all that it leaves unsaid.

If you're simply looking for a biography out of casual curiosity (as I was), then this is a good introduction to the man in context. Everything you hope to find in a well written biography is present: date of birth, parentage, early education, rise to stardom among the literati, great works, and ultimate repose. You will see in this book a collection of quotation, strong support for the reputation carried by Chesterton among Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox. What you will not discover is a well crafted biography of the type Chesterton, his contemporaries, or even David McCullough have presented to the literate populace.

Mr. Belmonte's true weakness is that he has written his biography as though it were an undergraduate research paper. Everything is there to get an excellent grade in English Lit 401. He has a clear thesis statement, heavily annotated, and lots of hefty quotations. This has all been said by previous reviewers of this book. The strength of this particular work is that it introduces a very important figure in English (not only religious) literature.

Chesterton's influence is still being felt across the globe, and for the uninitiated, this is a good introduction to this great giant. Read this book, but don't stop here. Find other, more scholarly biographies and read them. More importantly, read the man himself! Both his fiction and non-fiction works are edifying, challenging, and a delight to the senses! Treat this book as a casual introduction at a cocktail party which leads to a lifelong friendship with one of the true literary brains of the 20th century.

Beyond Opinion

This is an excellent compilation of some of the best minds in Christian apologetics today.  Though not written by Ravi Zacharias, he has put together a wide selection of well-written and clearly explained essays on a variety of issues ranging from the veracity of Scripture to the exclusivity of Christ.  I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible these chapters were for the average reader.  I highly recommend this volume for your shelf and to be passed around to the people in your life with deep and burning questions about the nature of God and the importance of faith.

One of the true benefits of this piece of work is that it is written for people with no theological training, just questions.  The format is designed for easy use for finding an easy to read, concise, and challenging article about the question that is foremost on their mind without having to dig through chapter after chapter of tedious work irrelevant to their deepest need.  I am excited to recommend this book, and hope that you find it as enjoyable and encouraging a read as I did.

The Perfect Gift

If you're looking for the perfect Graduation or Father's Day present, then may I heartily recommend John C. Maxwell's "The Right to Lead."  Mr. Maxwell is a renowned speaker, preacher, and writer.  His books have provided inspiration and guidance for some of our nations top religious, business, and political leaders.  In "The Right to Lead," Mr. Maxwell provides in digest form some of his finest writing on the subject along with inspirational quotes and art.  This small, hardcover book will make a great gift for the graduate or special-someone in your life for Father's Day.  Small, easy to read, inspirational, and written with a purpose.  Not simply a book of platitudes, this book is written to challenge the would-be leader to take responsibility and earn the right to lead.

Dave Ramsey's The Money Answer Book

I'll admit it.  I'm a Ramsey-phile.  I drank the kool-aid last year, and I haven't looked back.  The best thing my wife and I did was sign up for the Financial Peace University class.  It was truly an investment in our future, and we have been blessed with small and large successes since June of 2008.  If you've never taken his class, read his books, or listened to his radio program, stop reading this review and check out www.daveramsey.com for more information.  If, by chance, you're actually interested in this review, then please keep reading.

For people like me, this book contains very little new information.  If you've already read The Total Money Makeover or Financial Peace (Revisited), then you know how the program works.  Seven Baby Steps, followed in succession, to help you manage your finances and bless others by your ability to build wealth and give it away.  This book is not really about the Baby Steps, though he does take time to mention them and go through them in detail throughout the book.  This book is really a Question and Answer book.  If you've listened to the radio program, then you know his style of taking questions and answering them as if he were "in your shoes."  This book is just that.  Taking highlights from the show/FAQ's about basic financial management and the Baby Steps, The Money Answer Book seeks to give direct, pointed, and concise information regarding a number of topics from debt to retirement.

When I read The Total Money Makeover and Financial Peace (Revisited), I was always asking questions.  What do we do if...?  What happens if...?  Is it important for us to...?  What if we can't...?  What does he mean by...?  This book handles those questions in a way that's easy to follow and implement right off!  I am really excited to read this book alongside of the other books, so that as questions pop up, I can reference what he has to say in The Money Answer Book!  Definitely get this book!  Even if you don't think you have questions, believe me, you have questions.  Get this book, read it, read it alongside of the others, read it while listening to the radio program.  You may just find the answer that you've been looking for!

Word of Promise, NT

This is an excellent Audio Bible. If you've purchased previous dramatized versions of the Bible, you understand the great depth of character and personality that comes from having multiple readers, sound effects, appropriate music, and good production quality. This series has them all. Stellar cast, breathtaking music, and very well produced. The words are written by someone who's infallible, so it's hard to really overlook the writer, but it's also kind of silly to put too much about that here. This is a great resource.

As a youth pastor, I'm always looking for ways to make the Bible come to life for my students. Using audio Bibles in the past has been something I've wanted to do, and I'm so thankful for this resource! What a great addition to our library! So glad that I picked this one up!

Life in the Zone

This is a great Bible study for men--specifically if they're sports minded in any way. There are testimonies of coaches, players, managers, and other figures in the sports industry who love Jesus and want to share what they've learned by placing their full trust in Him and following His lead in areas of character, marriage, parenting, work ethic, etc.

The 40 Day Plan idea is nice. It's easy to follow and builds on itself. It's not unique to this book, and (as a guy) I like knowing that I'm coming to the end of something. There were days when I felt like I could have skipped the lesson, but I'm glad I didn't. If you're looking for something to give to a high schooler, I would hold off. If you're looking at college to young adult, that's probably the youngest. I would definitely recommend this to a married man, working full time, and trying to keep his family, his faith, and his work in order. Definitely recommend.

Kabul 24

Kabul 24 Tells the story of American and Afghan aid workers who were betrayed, arrested, and imprisoned by the Taliban; and the amazing way in which they experienced God's provision and work in their lives as they struggled to see the light at the end of their tunnel. If you're interested in the war in Afghanistan and the Christian response in a time of pain and struggle, this is an incredible book to read! In the list of current books about Afghanistan and the war on terror, this book stands out as both a first hand account of people on the ground and also as more than just a political, personal, or fictionalized autobiography. There are in this story real people, raw emotion, and the beauty experienced by God's intervention in their lives.

Trying to be in my story

I have to blog this right now: All Saints Day at 8:27 EDT in Cincinnati, OH before it's all gone in the mix and mess and measure of my brain and the upcoming day of activities and conference activity. Topic: Story.

Donald Miller (@donaldmilleris to his Twitter faithful) spoke during the main session today. It's the only official session yesterday that I went to at the National Youth Workers Convention. It was probably the only one I needed to go to. I walked into the open space room and I didn't want to just sit around and chat in a circle. I needed to be out and about networking on my on initiative and learning from people who are there to share their talent, passion, and joy with me. I was exhibit hall barfly if you will.

The elements of a story are very clear: Character, Conflict, Climax. It's something you learn in early grade school when you first have to write paragraphs about what you did over summer vacation or a dream you had or a pet you with you had or an invention you created. You did it without thinking about it when you learned how to speak and started lying. Even if you weren't lying, you were still telling stories about imaginary people or imaginary events or the world you wished for some day. Don's point was that our lives are also made up of these elements. You are the character; you are living in a constant state of conflict; and the climax hasn't been reached yet.

Let's begin with a look at these elements and move on from there.
Character: The person about whom the story is told. The person wants something--they have a mission. The character must be someone with whom you sympathize and want to achieve their mission. That means that they have to be someone who isn't a jerk. They've got to be broken (they can't be perfect or we won't care), but we want to see them overcome their weakness because we see that they are this sympathetic, lovable, courageous person. Question: If you are the character of your story, how are you doing?
Conflict: The character has been thwarted by something. Sin, weakness, failures, fears, etc. In the case of Adam, he is presented with a desire for something that doesn't even exist and God gives him the task of naming the animals! Talk about conflict! Wow. You cannot grow or develop your character without conflict. If you try to avoid conflict and avoid pain or unpleasentness, you stay stagnant. You're Rocky and you stay in the Italian restaurant forever and that's it. Close the story.
Climax: The point in the story when the conflict is all over. It's the point when "Frodo drops the ring in the Temple of Doom so that Darth Vader can't get it and blow up the Death Star." It's the moment that we've been waiting for all of our lives! From day 1 we want the quest to end and the conflict to be over and for peace and happiness to reign. We don't get the climax until the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

I don't have time to really develop this thought here and now. I'd much rather be talking about it with you. Because, as Don said, we don't encounter story by watching movies or TV or reading. We encounter story most by encountering others. Who are the characters, what is their conflict, and how are they living in it before the Act 3 Climax?

More to follow

now that i have time to talk

So I spent all of today wandering out either Cincinatti or the convention center. Here are NYWC reflections from day one, and why I'm not there listening to Tony Campolo right now.

I don't like the fact that the convention center wants to charge $12 a day for internet use. That's ridiculous. I'm not a fan, and refuse to pay. I'm a bit miffed now that I brought the laptop with me, but that's life. All of this to say that, it's stupid, and I am upset at the convention center, though not the convention itself.

I went to hear Mark DeVries speak this morning, and it was one more confirmation of the same message I've been hearing for the past three months: Get organized, create a system, recruit people for specific tasks, etc. I was really convicted, challenged, and encouraged. I need to buy the book. I want to be a good youth pastor. That's why I'm here.

Reggie Joiner is now my personal hero. First of all for keeping his old Mac Plus to show, but mostly for being so darn challenging. I'd be interesting to hear what he had to say about the role of tradition in the Church that is considered to be core. It'd be interesting. He was also incredibly challenging. It led me to ask two questions:

1. What will we change next year?
2. What is the mission that I'm working on/in/under?

I hope to come back and have an answer to these questions.

I'm not at the convention now because the baby didn't have a bottle, and we need to plan our next couple of days.

NYWC has been amazing so far. Need to process.

@hootsuite set up to update various things, including the new ThirstMi twitter feed for Merge/FpM updates

Imagine a Life Without Fear

I recently finished reading Max Lucado's Fearless. This book was an incredible read, and a lot more than I expected it to be. In past books I found Lucado's insites to be a little fluffy and light, but not so with this book. It truly spoke to me in a way that no other book this year has done. I found myself relating to the examples, practicing the suggestions, and actually at the point of tears as I considered how my own fears had crippled me and how I too often had forsaken the call of Jesus to rest in His love and not to fear the things of this world. This book is truly an inspirationa, and I definitely recommend reading it.

For those of you unfamiliar with Lucado's writing style, you will easily learn that through stories are the best lessons taught. Though I am used to reading heavier texts on biblical application, this book truly met me where I was. There is no searching around for a thesaurus or dictionary. There is no deep research to be done to understand the point. Lucado simply takes passages from the Gospels and expounds on them in a modern setting. If you have fear in your life, read this book. If you know someone living with constant anxiety, read this book. When you finish, pass it on. Don't leave this on the shelf.

The Jesus Book, by Stephen Elkins is TRULY the ultimate question and answer book. Broken up very nicely in the five question words of Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. The book uses color coding as well as an easy to follow table of contents and scripture index for just in case your little one comes to you with a question about what you believe and why, or maybe you'd like to spend some family devotion time talking about who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross and how we can better serve Him. Either way, this is a great resource. The book is definitely written for parents to read to their children or for young readers (say 5-7) to sit and read by themselves. The illustrations are colorful and very appealing. The book highlights key words in each section as well as giving Scripture references for each of the passages being referenced. I think my favorite resource (for older children, definitely) are the maps and timeline in the back, showing how Jesus fits into history and geography. I would definitely recommend the resource for families of younger children. I was a little disappointed that there are no stories. THIS IS NOT A STORY BOOK for little children. This is a family resources to be used in conjunction with family Bible time or devotions. If you're looking for a story book, I would go elsewhere, but if you want a very nice resource for teaching your children who Jesus is, what He did, why He died, and how they can love and follow Him, then this is an excellent purchase!