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.

The River by Michael Neale

The River by Michael Neale

Mostly, I read non-fiction books on leadership and Christian topics, but I shifted gears a bit to read a novel, The River by Michael Neale.

The River is a well written tale of an unexpected encounter between two travelers. One traveler is returning home after countless meetings, and just trying to grab some quiet time while waiting on a delayed flight.  The other a gritty adventurer returning from a five continent white water rafting experience.  As the adventurer, Gabriel Clarke, shares his tale, the other traveler is drawn in and transformed.

Neale’s storytelling will draw you into the story, which will both entertain and challenge you.

On the surface, it’s a great story of an emotionally traumatized boy transforming into a ‘wide open’ adventurer.  However, you will also be challenged by the main character, The River itself.  It will challenge you to find your purpose in a greater story. In the interview at the end of the book, you’ll find Neale’s belief is that story is God’s story, and if you are interested in exploring that further check out the links for the series and field guide below.

I would recommend this book to any reader who wants to immerse themselves in a great story, and is willing to consider the challenge.  Further, if you are interested in experiencing the story in a unique setting, Neale has created a live, multimedia event (watch for it at www.theriverexperience.com).

Links to Series and Field Guide:
The River: 4 Part Series at Christ Fellowship in Florida
The River: Field Guide

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.

On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan

I enjoy having a little structure to my daily reading, so I thought this would be a great book for my habit.

The book (typical of “On This Day...” books) is structured by date - a perfect fit for a daily reading plan.  Each day’s reading includes a short ‘article’ about a significant event, as well as a short scripture reading.  Also, you can find articles on specific topics (e.g., Courage, Mentors, Time Management, etc.) using the index.

Morgan has mastered the ability to shares the key facts and significant points in one-page. As a result, the reader quickly gains insight on significant challenges faced by Christians and and the sacrifices made. The stories are inspiring, but frequently tragic - after all, martyrs have played a significant role in Christian history.  As a result, the daily article will not leave the reader up-beat.

I would recommend this book, to history lovers who want a private, daily dose of Christian history, and a few minutes of reflection.  You might want to pick something different, if you’re looking for a daily devotion to share with the kids before school.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

WARNING: Reading this book may change you.

Sometimes you read a book that explains what you should do or think, sometimes you read a story and it touches your heart, but it's a rare book that weaves these together in such a way as to have this sort of impact.

Using the book of Acts as a foundation, Max Lucado blends in stories of compassion, surprises, and promise that bring Acts to life in 2010. Then, when he has you almost convinced, he brings out the 'big guns' of challenge, scripture, and prayer - leaving you convinced that you need to act - and well equipped. Lastly, just in case you are having trouble getting started, there is a guide - not a study guide - a discussion and action guide.

If this excites you, read the book. If it scares you DEFINITELY read the book. In any case, I encourage all of us to act.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Right to Lead by John Maxwell

I'm sure many leaders have read leadership books.  I know I have.  In fact, we read, notate, study - we work at understanding the concepts, figuring them out, determining how they apply, and what we can do.

This book will give you something of a break - not from learning and improving, but from the amount of work involved.

I his book The Right to Lead, John Maxwell has created a very practical guide to leadership.  He provides 7 core principles, and delivers them in a way that will be immediately understandable and actionable.  He relies on stories quotes from people we've heard about,  and illustrates these principles.  No heavy theory, no deep philosophy, just clarity.

I'd also add that this is not just your typical business leadership book - it can apply to parents leading their children as well as a CEO driving a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone that recognizes their need to develop as a leader.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html) : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega

I'm something of a geek(or so I'm told by family and friends), so getting insight into the leadership principles of Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, was very appealing.

The core principle is that the obstacles and challenges in our lives are the things that define us and develop us. Ralph de la Vega presents a couple of structures that he uses to guide the reader through this principle. First, there are his "6 pivotal point", the key events in his life. Then, the "Pillars of Success", his framework for achievement.


The flow of the books weaves the stories of these 'pivotal points' with the 'pillars of success' to show the reader how to accept challenges, respond to them, and come out of them better, smarter... more successful. To assist the reader, the author ends each chapter with "Takeaway Points", summarizing the key lessons addressed.De la Vega's approach is, to a large degree, textbook-like. In addition to these chapter summaries, he uses a number of diagrams to explain key concepts including his Pillars of Success, the Learning Cycle, his Pyramid of Principles, and others.

I would recommend this book to people trying to develop their ability to lead in a challenging business world. It encourages the reader to base their leadership on sound moral principles, and a positive attitude toward the opportunities offered by obstacles.


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.”

I'm moving too slow

Since I started the book, we've moved and the book was missing in the shuffle for a while...

But be not dismayed! It's found.

Now I need to get back on track reading it.

Please stay tuned

The Next Book - Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega

Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, shares the lessons learned in business and in life along the journey from Cuba to Corporate America.

Link to additional information on the publisher's site: Click Here  

The Search for God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield

I was immediately captured by the simple, but striking, cover.  A pint of Guinness, back-lit by a heavenly glow.

It was no coincidence. This book indeed reveals the heavenly glow of the Guinness family.

In the prologue, I was drawn in by Mansfield's account of an encounter where he concisely shared the Guinness family story. He went beyond the history into describing how theGuinnesses went beyond brewing beer to serving their employees, and the community with a Christ-like heart.  Further, many became ministers, missionaries, and government leaders that made a significant, Godly, positive difference.

Mansfield approached the book as a historian, using a variety of sources, garnished by anecdotes that season the history lesson with intimate insight and excitement. He provided an excellent foundation including: beer history, economic and political pressures, and interesting (potentially little known) facts.

I did not realize that the 'beer' Guinness and the 'world record' Guinness were the same family!

I would recommend this book, to history lovers and beer drinkers alike. While thorough and well developed, it reads like a good history book more than an exciting epic.

Info about The Search for God and Guinness

Book Description from the Publisher: Thomas Nelson - LINK


The history of Guinness, one of the world’s most famous brands, reveals the noble heights and crushing descents of a great family and an innovative business.

It began in Ireland in the late 1700’s. The water in Ireland, indeed throughout Europe, was famously undrinkable, and the gin and whiskey that took its place was devastating civil society. It was a disease ridden, starvation plagued, alcoholic age, and Christians like Arthur Guinness—as well as monks and even evangelical churches—brewed beer to offer a healthier alternative to the poisonous waters and liquors of the times. This is where the Guinness tale began. Now, 246 years and 150 countries later, Guinness is a global brand, one of the most consumed beverages in the world. The tale that unfolds during those two and a half centuries has power to thrill audiences today: the generational drama, business adventure, industrial and social reforms, deep-felt faith, and the beer itself.

Next: The Search for God and Guinness

I just couldn't NOT review this - the linkage is surprising (I've just read the cover)...more soon

Review of Fearless by Max Lucado

“No Fear”.
 
You’ve seen this slogan everywhere. It focuses on overcoming fear, conquering it, or maybe even winning by becoming that which is feared.
 
There’s a better way. Make fear disappear – become Fearless.
 
Max Lucado’s book, Fearless, shows you how to become Fearless by leaning on promises from God and Jesus.  He addresses real fears, not philosophical fears.  He attacks fears associated with things like: Not Mattering, Protecting your Kids, Running out of resources / money, and Death
 
The book approaches the topic with humor, personal anecdotes, and stories of famous athletes (e.g., Byron Nelson and David Robinson). Most importantly, though, there’s a large helping of God’s Word, too.  One of first ‘helpings’ is that “Fear Not” (or something similar) appears over 100 times in the Bible.  Throughout Fearless, Lucado applies specific examples of these “Fear Not” scriptures to the specific fears – he really makes it stick.
 
I read the book in no time.  While it was a fun and easy read, it was also thought provoking.  I grew up in churches and Bible classes, but Lucado brought out Biblical perspectives I hadn’t seen or considered.
 
I have recommended this already (and I just finished a few days ago)!

New Start...

I've decided to try to make a habit of reading an sharing my thoughts (briefly). I'll be starting with Max Lucado's Fearless.

My hope is that this will not only help me keep up with my own reading as well as be of potential benefits to others.

Here we go!