Max Lucado - Max on Life

I didn't have much time to read the whole book as I was preparing my journey to Europe during the time when I received the book. Going through the book, Max Lucado brings hope to my life by answering important questions which seem menial to people. The book is divided into different sections making it easy for me to find what questions I had on my mind first.

The questions of life are answered in a very systematic and easily understood manner. Multiple sections which cover different areas of life, from finances to the question of God. I would recommend everyone to take a look at this book and dwell in the life which God gives to each of us freely.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

In The Final Summit, Andy Andrews wrote about the Travelers, with David Ponder as the leader who lives in the present time, gathered to find a solution to the ultimate question which would save humanity from further destruction. The story started with an introduction of who David Ponder was and his achievements in life, including the fact that he was one of the many Travelers. He had a pouch with Seven Secrets of Success and the author had fairly given a brief overview for readers who did not first read the books in the series.

In the final summit, David Ponder was allowed five other travelers to assist him in giving a final solution to the ultimate question posted by the archangel Gabriel, a servant of God Himself. Sir Winston Churchill was his co-leader for this summit. These five included Abraham Lincoln, St. Joan of Arc, King David, Eric Erickson and George Washington Carver. There were many other famous names being mentioned but that's for you to discover as you read on.

Interesting with a twist of humor inserted at the right moment makes this book enjoyable to me since the moment I started reading it. With a satisfied sigh, I finished the book and definitely an achievement as I journeyed with the characters to find the final two-word answer to the great question to save humanity. I'd definitely recommend it to all who enjoy reading, and seeking the truth about humanity and life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

This book is written by the President of World Vision U.S. about poverty and the reaction of the world's population towards this issue. Generally, the grand idea is that our faith is not just about believing but the concept of "faith and works". Very much similar to the teachings I have received as a Catholic, where we are being encouraged to put our faith to work. I appreciate the exhortation which Stearns gave about handling the issue of poverty. It is true that everyone is called by God to answer His call. And I am glad that he answered the call to be the President of World Vision U.S. where God is using him to reach out to the poor and hungry.

On the other hand, I was not used to the writing style, hence had a difficulty to finish reading the book. It took me a lot to try connect to the topics he was trying to connect to the readers. Hence, as much as the essence of the book is encouraging, I'd say I did not enjoy much reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go by Lucille O'Neal

This is THE life story of Lucille O'Neal, a mother of four, grandmother of 14, of her life from the day she was born into the O'Neal family to this point of being the mother of NBA Star. Not only that, this book tells of her struggles in life, being a wife to a husband who barely communicated with her inner needs and desires, being a mother at the age of 17, being a woman who was grounded in faith and yet committed a sin with a heavy outcome. Looking at these situations, she could have just given up hope and stopped struggling to survive, rather than what Lucille chose to do - to keep on living, even when she was against all odds.

One thing which struck me was what Lucille remembered of her pastor, Rev. Hartsfield. "Lucille, walk like you have somewhere to go." This is something which we can learn from. I'm also born with the tall genes which cause me to be taller than many of my peers, here in Asia. It's no fun being a tall lady, where generally, men are shorter in this region. I had my share of inability to accept and love who I am, though not to the extend of Lucille, still, I could imagine how it felt to be "out of place" during our teenage years. I'm very much encouraged by her light-hearted way of sharing her life to all, with the hope of encouraging others. I also noticed that Lucille took note of the social ills occurring in the States especially, and how she is hoping for a change in the culture of young adults and younger parents, and their attitude towards their children.

I may not have experienced, and probably will not experience half the things Lucille had gone through in her 56 years on earth at the moment, but I'm truly inspired by her will of never giving up, and being a good mother to her children, silently enduring the non-communicative lifestyle as a wife to a military husband. As much as I'm inspired by her life and her want of being free again, I still have the firm stand that once married, should try to work out the marriage. Perhaps 10 years ago, it may not be so possible. Now, with the increasing awareness of the high divorce rate around the world, there is also an increase of marriage counselor, both in church and outside church, to assist married couple with domestic issues which may lead to divorce.

The 40 bible verses in the epilogue of the book are a plus point to this book. They serve as comforter, for the Word is always our Comforter. I'd definitely recommend this book to all women, and men too!

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed as my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

Am I a person who cares of the horizontal self or the vertical self? This question got stuck with me as I read The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers. This is a book which explains in a light 'n' easy tone on the identities given by the world to the individuals living in it, and how all these are linked together causing one to lose oneself even more because of the horizontal self image. Aside to that, Mark Sayers also carefully orchestrated the three types of social self in the life of young people especially. However, this is not meant to be dwelt upon forever, as he also proposed a future self to these people who had been living the identity of horizontal self - yes, the vertical self. Looking into how God wants a relationship with us, and how personal holiness is possible in our modern life.

Personally, I like the way Mark Sayers written the book - it connects to our daily life as a young person. As a young working adult living in an Asian country, I saw that the Western culture is seeping into the lives of young people in Asia, and issues described in the book somewhat is already in Asia. So it helps me, when he recommended in the book to share this vertical self concept to others. However, as a Catholic, I would suggest that he requires more in depth research on the lives of the saints. Like what the book says, holiness is for everyone living on earth. Yet, I find that the book did not really point out directly on how Christianity and personal holiness can aid a person whose identity had been based on horizontal self.

I will still recommend my friends reading this book, and yeah, I do have people asking me to borrow them the book already.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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."

Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend

I finally received my copy of "Where is God?" on 25 January 2010 after a long one-month wait from Thomas Nelson Publisher. It is always beautiful to finally receive after a long wait and this book did not disappoint me! Dr. John Townsend had written a concise copy of book assuring the reader where God is when we are in difficult times and this is a book one must grab when in doubts and struggling with the big question of "WHERE IS GOD?". Besides being assuring of His holy presence in our lives even when we see Him not, feel Him not, this book also breaks down God's characteristics so that we can understand Him better, and love Him more.

Like all his other books, Dr. John Townsend had written the book with an objective point of view of a God-believing psychologist. I enjoyed the "as-a-matter-of-fact" way of presentation which kept me returning to the book chapter after chapter. It helped to comfort my weary heart as I was in the darkness due to some internal struggle with hope. This struggle led me start doubting the God who loves me, and this book steered my way back to God as I start seeing the Light of Christ as I continued reading. There are recommendations of what we can do in the dark as we seek the Lord. And I truly learned that God is with me when I am facing difficulties and struggles in life.

In this modern world where people are struggling with individualism and materialism, this book brought us back to the understanding of having safe and loving community to support and encourage one another. I experience it myself the importance of having safe relationships which I can fall back on when things become difficult and God seems so distant. He is there, only our minds are bogged down and blinded. Thus we need people to affirm us of His presence.

Bravo, Dr. John Townsend!

Called to Worship by Vernon M. Whaley

Called to Worship: The Biblical Foundations of Our Response to God's Call, written by Dr. Vernon M. Whaley, is a must-read for all those who are new to worship, as well as a refresher for those who have been worshiping God since they come to know Him as their personal Saviour. In this whole book, the author brings us to a tour of how people from Old Testaments all the way down to New Testament worshipped God. The very essence of thus book is probably this: "God yearns to establish relationship with us, His created ones".

I was in a season where worship became difficult and complacent when I finally received this book. Reading this book challenged and transformed my worship and prayer life, encouraging me to seek God deeper than ever.

I really liked how Dr. Whaley explained about the worship styles of different era, individuals and situations, according to the chronological order of the bible. One can follow easily, even if we're unfamiliar with the bible. It also encourages us to read our bible as we read on. Besides that, there is always a summary known as "Principles of Worship from this Chapter" at the end of the chapter which helps us to refresh our memory after reading the chapter.

One important point that he had conveyed was it is okay to be imperfect, and still worshipping the God who is perfect in every way. He pointed out the imperfections of the biblical characters mentioned in the book and how God still longed for their worship and blessed them abundantly when they returned to God. Even in modern days, we can still return to the God who yearns to establish relationship with us ever more by first being obedient to Him and start worshipping Him once again.

This is a book suitable to be used for personal devotion, small group material as well as teaching material for the topics of biblical worship.