A Bunch of Books

I went a little book crazy at the beginning of this new year. 

But, I feel like if you are going to be crazy about something, books are okay.

I am really excited about these titles (and more not pictured).

I can't wait to share my impressions of each of them with you.

Now, I am normally a fiction junky (I do a  lot of reading I don't share with you).

However, when I do book reviews, I like to share about the non-fiction books that have attracted my attention. I feel like these books have something positive and meaningful to offer me and maybe you will find something useful between their pages as well.

It's going to take me a few months to get through these titles, so I hope you aren't too disappointed in having to wait. I can only read so quickly, and I am by no means a speed reader. I have already begun a couple of these books and so far I am anticipating finishing reading each one.

I am going through 'Own Your Life', by Sally Clarkson as a group with some mom friends. We will read it a few chapters at a time and then get together to discuss what we've read. If you have a hard time reading non-fiction, this is a great way to keep you motivated and moving along. 

Most of these books are by Christian authors and can be found at your local Christian bookstore. 

So, if you can't find me, I will probably be reading! As you can see, I have a lot to get through. 

How many books can you read at once? It is going to be hard to read one at a time.

Book Review: Firsthand

The latest book on my review list is 'Firsthand' 

by brothers Ryan and Josh Shook

 

It is written to inspire people who have grown up in the church or in Christian homes and have yet to make the faith they have grown up with, their own or personal. 

There comes a time in each persons life where they need to know what they believe and why.  They need to take the faith they have grown up with and personalize it. Live it out loud in their own lives. The Shooks encourage each person to question their doubts, fill the emptiness in their lives with the only One who can and will fill them.  They also remind us that "our weaknesses can become our greatest assets because they draw us closer to the Lord". They encourage stepping out in 'faith risks', stepping out in reckless abandon to obey God.  It is a book that challenges each person to individually examine their faith and gives encouraging steps to become filled with a genuine faith that belongs to them alone.  

I think that the book is well written, the intent behind the book is true and they have done their best to lay a clear path based on personal experience.  

In thinking back to my own personal history, which would have been exactly the target audience this book was aimed at, I questioned whether this book would have been helpful to me?  

The first question that came to mind is, if someone is living their faith secondhand through their parents/church, would they be willing to read a book on this topic?  The answer I have come to is: maybe.  If the person has awakened to their need for more - then yes, I think this book could be very beneficial.  It will definitely lead them in the right direction.

Maybe you are looking for more in your faith, or you know someone else who is.  This book is for you.

You can find it here at Amazon or on CBD.  

Thanks to Multnoma's blogging for books program for this copy of 'Firsthand'

Book Review: Next Generation Leader

I just finished reading Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. 
I've been an Andy Stanley fan for awhile and this book didn't disappoint. 
Stanley gets the point across in a clear way that is insightful and easy to understand.
 
Next Generation Leader is a playbook for becoming a better and more effective leader.
He highlights 5 main points: Competence, Courage, Clarity, Coaching, and Character.
The book is broken into these five sections and each section ends with a summary and a challenge.

Competence is figuring out what you are gifted at and maximizing your time doing it.  Stanley says "The less you do the more you will accomplish". Delegate those duties that you are not gifted at and allow someone else to shine in that area.
"Only do what only you can do"

Courage is a defining factor in leadership. A good leader knows when to move forward.  Moving forward can be scary, especially when others are looking up to you or relying on you.  It takes courage to move forward through the fear of the unknown.  Without courage you can't lead.

Clarity is defined by Stanley as "an art that involves giving explicit and precise direction in spite of limited information and unpredictable outcomes."  in other words, a leader needs to be able to confidently make decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Coaching involves seeing the value in and finding someone else who can evaluate you as a leader.  Stanley says that "a good coach will evaluate your performance against your potential." A coach is someone whom you can learn from and trust to give you Godly advice.

Character is a crucial element for any leader who also wants to be respected by the people who are following them. "The values you preach to your organization must be in alignment with the the values you live out in every facet of your life."

Andy Stanley delivers great tips for anyone who is currently in leadership or for the person who would like to become a leader.  He explains what a successful leader should do and how they should go about becoming a more effective and better leader. He also includes biblical examples of leadership do's and don'ts.  
As a stay at home mom, even I was able to evaluate my leadership qualities. I found the principles in this book to be helpful and challenging, even in my life. If this book is beneficial to me, then I can't imagine what it can do for someone who is leading an organization or company.

Overall, this book is a good read and I would easily recommend it.

You can find Next Generation Leader at http://www.northpointministries.org/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=171731&isbn=9781590525395

To read the first chapter, follow this link:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74998

If you would like to learn more about Andy Stanley check out: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74998


Let me know if you read it and what you think.

*Disclaimer:  I recieved this book for free from WaterBrook Multonmah Publishing Group in exchange for this review.