What's Your Mark?

What's Your Mark uniquely blends motivational stories, and the Gospel of Mark to inspire the reader.  Through this unique combination of photography, new stories, and ancient sacred texts, the reader will become inspired to find their unique opportunity.  It will become clear that each person has been blessed with a unique combination of talents, places, and time to make their own 'mark'.

Photographer, Jeremy Cowart, joined forces with Annie Downs, Brad Davis, and Michael Moore to create this small and compelling book.  Thingy have collected the stories of people who are each making their mark on the world in unique and powerful ways.  Some of them are people you've seen on TV, others have influential roles at companies like Twitter, plus you'll find musicians, teenagers, a homeless man, and many others that are making their mark on the world. For each person, you'lre given a glimpse into their life via pictures, and a short narrative describing how they have used their unique gifts.

I'd recommend this book to a broad range of people.  For the young person that's trying to see how their contributions matter, the successful business person who wants to make an impact outside the world of commerce, or the person who is struggling to see good in today's world.  I'd recommend the reader take the book in doses - read a few of the stories, and a bit of Mark, then let it work on you for a while - and figure out...How will I make my mark?

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.

The Legend of the Monk And the Merchant by Terry Felber

The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant is a parable that will help people in the marketplace see their how their role can be a powerful ministry.  It is generally easy for people to identify the way the life of a minister impacts God's plans and God's kingdom. However, it is often difficult for people to understand and appreciate the role of business people. Further, business people are challenged in identifying ways they can fully participate and contribute. This story provides great insights to these concerns, and provides principles that will help business people optimize their impact.

The tale is set in the 1500s. Antonio, goes on to Rome with his grandson, Julio to share his experiences and advice. The basic premise is that a merchant can be as effective in ministry as a monk, but in different ways. As Antonio shares his experiences, adventures, relationships and failures with Julio, he reveals 12 principles for being an effective, ministering, merchant. These principles cover a range of topics addressing:

• Finances
• Accountability
• Failure
• and of course, honoring God

I would recommend this book to a number of people: Christians that are entering the workforce for the first time, Christian business people struggling with their role in God's kingdom, and people in ministry roles that seek to better understand the role of business people in God's kingdom.

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.

Redemption by Bryan Clay

Redemption is Bryan Clay's first-person tale of redemption - in two, interwoven ways. Most importantly, is Clay's description of the people and processes in his lift that lead him to a personal relationship with Christ. Secondly, its his tale of transforming from a confused, angry kid to a world-class decathlete.

It is a great story, and Clay does a good job of demonstrating how his development as a Christian, and the related principles drove his success as a husband, father, and athlete. The language and writing style is simple, so it would be particularly well suited for a young athlete. However this same writing style may make the book seem a little juvenile for adult readers.

I would recommend this book to parents that want to help their children recognize the power of Christian development in both their religious and athletic development.

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.